REVIEW - The Love of the Nightingale, University Drama Studio
Sheffield University Theatre Company have taken on Timberlake Wertenbaker's feminist adaptation of an Ancient Greek legend. The rape of Philomela by her brother-in-law Tereus, is pretty gloomy subject matter. The tragedy is made even more poignant when compared to the decidedly upbeat atmosphere, which precedes it. There is slapstick humour and ironic delivery of philosophical themes.
The women are mainly philosophical sages, whilst the men are warmongering brutes (Tereus) or docile and inarticulate (Captain).
The King of Athens is grateful to Tereus, King of Thrace for his help in defeating Thebes and allows him to marry his daughter Procne who moves to her husband's country. A homesick Procne asks Tereus to bring her sister Philomele from Athens to Thrace to be with her. En route Tereus rapes her. Should she ever see her sister again, Philomele will surely plan her revenge.
The three leads are terrific. Della-Ann Owen puts in an astonishing performance as Philomele. There is a powerful scene when she confronts Tereus after the rape and initially blames herself before realising he caused it and boldly asking why. Nick Birchill puts in a chilling turn as Tereus. His indiscriminate use of fear, power and even God to justify his actions and the ruthless dispatching and maiming of his enemies and loved ones alike is unsettling. Lydia Aston is well cast as Procne. Her most moving scene is wordless but speaks volumes as she is reunited with her sister after the tragedy and they hug in silence.
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Weather for Sheffield
Wednesday 08 February 2012
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