David Ireland’s radical new take on Lorca’s play re-fuels this classic story with a contemporary twist. In an exciting new co-production between Dundee Rep Ensemble, Graeae and Derby Theatre, Jenny Sealey and David Ireland push this tale of searing lust, love and rebellion to its limits. When young lovers are overrun with passion, infatuation and defiance - the consequences are explosive.
The result – on Lisa Sangster’s brilliantly-lit function-suite set – is a riot of dark observational comedy shading fiercely into tragedy, featuring a rogue’s gallery of memorable performances.
Blood Wedding is a thoughtful and provocating production that throws new questions about destiny, loyalty and social stigma into a well-worked classic.
While Blood Wedding might not work on every level, it is for the most part an enjoyable affair, with strong performances all around and attractive set dressing.
Even with a play that’s all about the power of community, it takes more than a strong ensemble to do this tragedy justice.
Scottish theatre has once again proved a very poor friend to Lorca.
It’s hard to take the blood-spattered denouement seriously when everything leading up to it has been so steeped in banality.
The able cast deserves better.
Jenny Sealey--Blood Wedding
Dundee Rep Theatre, Dundee from Wednesday March 4, 2015, until Saturday March 14, 2015. More info: www.dundeereptheatre.co.uk
Traverse Theatre, Edinburgh from Wednesday April 8, 2015, until Saturday April 11, 2015. More info: www.traverse.co.uk
RSS feed of Theatre reviews