Showing @ King’s Theatre, Edinburgh until Mon 12 Aug @ 20:00
Like his one man version of King Lear in 2011, Taiwanese performer Wu Hsing-kuo’s Metamorphosis contains elements of Franz Kafka’s story, but presents them in a fractured and idiosyncratic form. Mixing Peking opera, mime and expressive movement and combining it with spectacular digital imagery.
Kafka’s tale of alienation and isolation is given a more metaphysical twist by Wu, with themes of reincarnation and universal connection – ideas which are returned to throughout the production. Spirits, memories and dreams collide in scenes brought to life and energised by designer Lin Keh-hua’s astonishing projected displays.
Wu’s show is divided into six scenes each of which enters Samsa’s inner world: Dreams, longing, love, desire for escape, loss and acceptance are clearly delineated in tone and style by Lin Keh-hua’s projections and the characters adopted by Wu. However whilst some scenes, such as Samsa’s dream of an abandoned child are astonishing and captivating, others, particularly a long passage on love, border on the tedious.
One reason for this might simply be cultural. In the programme Wu notes his expectation that the audience reaction will be divided between those who love it and those who do not understand it – Leaving no room for those who might understand but dislike it or those – probably the majority – who enjoy parts, but find others baffling. The other probable reason for this show’s inconsistency is again evidenced in the programme where it’s clear from Wu’s notes that this was a rushed and inchoate creation.
There’s no doubt about Wu Hsing-kuo’s talent. An astounding physical performer who literally puts his life on the line for his art, he also possesses a hugely creative imagination. However with Metamorphosis, Wu appears to have come to Edinburgh with a work still going through the process of transformation.
Showing as part of the Edinburgh International Festival 2013