Lorca: A Theatre Beneath the Sand is creative and absorbing in its sensitivity. Performances by David Pereira and Daniel Miguelanez are intense and sustained creating a powerful sense of emotion both aurally and physically. The delivery of the text in Spanish was also powerfully conveyed as words echoed the physical expression of the other performer. Their physical skills were impressive, ranging from the balletic to the acrobatic to the contemporary.
The performances have a surrealistic element to them, keeping us wondering if it is about attraction or repulsion, is it real or fake? We are asked to consider what pretence and reality are and what masks are worn, particularly those worn by performer and audience – in short what is theatre?
the exploration of the poems of the Spanish poet Lorca as well as one of his least know plays “the Public’ allows the revelation of love to be explored, of self, of other, love both private and public then it is connected with decay and change. There is a wonderful playful, intimate verbal duel played out, ‘If I change myself in to a….” and slowly we see how love can both soothe and torment.
We are wrapped in the imagery of Lorca who was so inspired by the earth, water and the moon. Words are are clear and are relished and at times made mysterious as power and moods change. Emotions and feelings are wrestled with both physically and in conversation as we switch from coach and apprentice, or partners to master and servant and then suddenly it all changes again as one pushes out the other. The great love of Romeo and Juliet is celebrated and rejected – love is cradled and then shocks and destroys yet it it wins us over.
Along with Lorca’s strong words of love and wonder the physical representation of these feelings were of a suitably high and skilful standard so that each art form complimented and challenged the other – rather like any relationship. At points the masks were fleetingly dropped.
Ultimately the writer and director, Indalecio Corugedo must take the plaudits for fusing such complex physical and vocal dynamics with such grace and sensitivity. A THEATRE BENEATH THE SAND has a strong directorial premise that drives the piece forward but in doing so Lorca is not lost, indeed he is very much present and celebrated.
This show is a triumph in the fusion of words and movement.
Venue 53 theSpace @ Surgeons Hall
16:25 Aug 9-10, 12-17, 19-24
Tickets: tickets.edfringe.com
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