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Theatre

Bakkhai, Almeida Theatre ★★★★★

23 Jul 15 – 19 Sep 15, 8:00 PM – 10:30 PM

A charismatic Ben Whishaw is the highlight of this otherwise flat version of Greek epic Bakkhai translated by Anne Carson for the Almeida Theatre Greek season 2015.

By Lucy Brooks on 4/8/2015

5 CW readers are interested
Ben Whishaw, Bakkhai, Almeida Theatre: photo by Marc Brenner
Ben Whishaw, Bakkhai, Almeida Theatre: photo by Marc Brenner
Bakkhai, Almeida Theatre 3 Bakkhai, Almeida Theatre Lucy Brooks
Bakkhai, Almeida Theatre review: Culture Whisper says ★★★★★


Bakkhai (more commonly The Bacchae) by Euripides is one of the darker, sexier Greek tragedies. This new production translated by Anne Carson is boosted by famous face Ben Whishaw as Dionysious, but ultimately falls into a mediocre middle ground between the epic intensity of the original and the convincingly contemporary reimagining of Oresteia, the first show in the Almeida Greek Season. 
The Bacchae summary 
Most Greek tragedies relate the battle of two competing, but equally valid, ethical values -- The Bakkhai is more unequivocal. As Dionysus made androgynously seductive by a petulant, pouting Whishaw, exacts revenge on prudish Pentheus (Bertie Carvel), the doomed king of Thebes, the audience is torn between what is most seductive and what is morally right. The most prescient, successful element of the production is the sense of cult and obsession surrounding the Dionysian god.
Carvel's career defining, cross-dressing Oliver-winning role was Miss Trunchull in Matilda the Musical. And with a wig and dress as the inconsolable murderous mother in this Greek tragedy he brings more kitsch comedy than pathos to the role. The addition of an decidedly Halloweeny rubber head and various reassembled body parts, smothered in a murky muddy blood, is oddly parodic. Instead of horror and tension we felt like onlookers on a spectacle. 
With drunken violence and questions of liberation at its heart, this ancient tragedy is ripe for modern interpretation. Anne Carson's translation is as potently poetic as we'd expected, keeping the traditional model of a chorus and just three main characters. The 'army of Bakkhic women', made up predominantly of musical theatre stars with the odd operatic flourish, communicate the drama through song. The primal combination of chants, whoops and stick banging is an illuminating idea. The effect is stylish but, after two hours of stage time, stilted and not human enough to completely grip. 
 
 


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What Bakkhai, Almeida Theatre
Where Almeida Theatre, Almeida Street, Islington, London, N1 1TA | MAP
Nearest tube Highbury & Islington (underground)
When 23 Jul 15 – 19 Sep 15, 8:00 PM – 10:30 PM
Price £16-£30
Website Click here to book via the Almeida Theatre



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  • click for more theatre
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  • What the critics say

    THE TELEGRAPH

     "while the singsongy soundscape whips up a palpable sense of religious devotion, it lacks spontaneity, starts to drive you to distraction...the effect is more WI tea-party than wild tribal gathering."

    Dominic Cavendish

    THE GUARDIAN

    "while I admired the evening, I never felt I had been transported into a world of passion and terror." 

    Michael Billington 

    Practical

    THE ALMEIDA THEATRE 

    The Almeida has a formidable reputation for producing new work, boasting international clout and regularly attracting the biggest names in theatre. Artistic Director Rupert Goold, took over after eight years as artistic director of critically acclaimed touring theatre company Headlong. The building is situated at the heart of a buzzing theatre scene in Islington, alongside other venues such as Sadler’s Wells, the Old Red Lion, the Little Angel Theatre and the King’s Head.

    UNDER 30?

    Those not yet in their third decade can take advantage of the Almeida's discount scheme. You can bag the best seats available for just £18 each every Monday of the run if you use the discount code: UNDER30. Remember to bring proof of id with you to the performance.


What members say

    Very original play in its adapt to keep a lot of the features of Greek tragedy (singing, male actors) while making it moder/accessible to today's public. Some Read more

    Sandrine Roch

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We recommend nearby

  • Ottolenghi, Islington

    Supper fare at Ottolenghi includes the likes of pan-fried octopus and slow-roasted Cabrito goat, with a wide range of vegetarian options inspired by the flavours of the Mediterranean and Near East. They don't take bookings, though, so we recommend getting in early.

    Book Map
5

Almeida

Ben Whishaw

Tragedy

Almeida Greeks

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