by Laura Kressly
Adam Mickiewicz is extensively thought-about Poland’s equal to Shakespeare. His play Dziady is cut up into 4 elements, the second of which conjures up this ritualistic, extremely visible efficiency. Created by Song of the Goat Theatre founder Grzegorz Bral and carried out in Polish, glorious design and heightened emotion talk common emotions round dying and grief regardless of the language barrier.
Wikipedia says that half II of Dziady tells of “Lithuanian peasants…summoning ghosts to ensure them the access to heaven”. Here, presumably that is achieved via the massive ensemble often chanting/singing a choral chorus. Their voices are in flip offended and mournful, and they’re immensely expressive. They are led by an older lady and man whose prominence within the staging suggests they’re the elders or chieftains of this social group. This pair additionally communicate to us in between the chanting, presumably about these representing the summoned spirits. These spoken sections are principally calmer and quieter monologues, and sometimes delivered by the person, indicating a patriarchal society. The programme says there may be additionally commentary on modern Poland, however that is missed by non-Polish audio system. A translation, whether or not within the type of captions or a script, can be massively useful at a pageant primarily consisting of English audio system.
Because of this, the costumes are a specific spotlight. meticulously crafted with care and a focus, they evoke a pre-Christian world of tribal folks dwelling in a harsh surroundings. Cloaks are layered with strips of cloth and faux fur, and topped with ceremonial headdresses designed to seem like animal skulls. The apparently synthetic replicas are spectacular of their scale. The longer spent finding out the costumes, the extra element is seen. On the largely naked stage, in addition they operate as scenography, indicating the traditional setting. Though there are clear disadvantages to seeing this present as a non-Polish speaker, there’s additionally loads of worth in seeing it.
Gusla runs via 27 August.
The Play’s the Thing UK is dedicated to masking fringe and progressive theatre in London and past. It is run solely voluntarily and wishes common help to make sure its survival. For extra data and to assist The Play’s the Thing UK present protection of the theatre that wants opinions essentially the most, visit its patreon.
