Anna Burnside reviews a production with ‘some poignant moments but there’s also some extraneous flouncing around’.
The story of Dionysus v Pentheus, one of the bloodiest Greek tragedies, is a lot for a single performer. A lot of plot, a lot of horror and a sizeable cast of characters for one man to bring to life.
Ewan Downie, writer and performer of Company of Wolves’ pared down production, gives it his best shot. But for those not already conversant with Euripides’ plot, it’s hard to keep up with the character switches, exposition and occasional switch into symbolism.
There are some poignant moments but there’s also some extraneous flouncing around. Downie’s costume, an asymmetric dress and green nail polish, are not explained until halfway through.
If this can all verge on the baffling, the show’s visual punch is straightforward. A reflective black floor and a row of colour-shifting neon tubes in metal cages do as much storytelling as the script. The lighting is crisp and evocative, changing tone and colour, amplifying the mood and the action.
This is an ambitious undertaking with some visually arresting moments, but those unfamiliar with the classics could use a bit more help.
The Bacchae tours until May 29, 2026. For further details, go to the Company of Wolves website.
Photo by Louise Mather.
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