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Sappho was a prolific Greek feminine poet writing round 600 BC who lived on the island of Lesbos. Though she wrote on many topics, she is in fact primarily recognized for her lesbian love poems. Sadly, little of her works survived: solely 650 verses out of an estimated 10,000. Sappho, the musical created by Wendy Beckett, takes the type of a Greek tragedy / comedy, accompanied by a Greek refrain and narrator to focus on the work of this extraordinary lady, while showcasing themes of democracy, fluid gender identities and feminine subjugation. We’re in Lesbos, in pre-pre democracy,…
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An brisk and camp romp, full with Greek refrain, Sappho makes an attempt to rejoice the poetry and relevance of the lesbian poet each traditionally and right this moment.
Sappho was a prolific Greek feminine poet writing round 600 BC who lived on the island of Lesbos. Though she wrote on many topics, she is in fact primarily recognized for her lesbian love poems. Sadly, little of her works survived: solely 650 verses out of an estimated 10,000.
Sappho, the musical created by Wendy Beckett, takes the type of a Greek tragedy / comedy, accompanied by a Greek refrain and narrator to focus on the work of this extraordinary lady, while showcasing themes of democracy, fluid gender identities and feminine subjugation.
We’re in Lesbos, in pre-pre democracy, the narrator, performed with aplomb and aptitude by Emmanuel Akwafo, assures us. Sappho’s dad and mom, who’re with out cash or affect, are eager to marry her off to Hercules, the son of an influential couple within the village as a way to improve their very own energy. Sappho, nonetheless, has vivid and shifting fantasies about Adore (Eleanor Kane) who dances nimbly earlier than her; a lithe, sylph like clearly feminine creature, and so Sappho stays resolute in her willpower to not marry a person. A lot of the motion follows Sappho’s dad and mom makes an attempt to steer her to marry in opposition to her declarations of each sexual and creative independence. The refrain underpins themes of feminism with chants together with “a girl’s tragedy is just not that she dies, however that she dies while she lives” and, with a extra fashionable slant, a bunch seem randomly to shout: “We deserve the appropriate to stroll the streets at night time.”
Many a reference is made to the aristocratic ruling class who’ve no real interest in the wishes of the working class (cue laughter given latest native elections and the selfish actions of our present authorities). Different Greek Gods make appearances as crucial, notably Aphrodite, the God of sexual love and sweetness. Velile Tshabalala is proudly contemptuous and feisty on this position, a cape barely coving her gold fitness center shorts.
The choice to make use of irreverence and flamboyance in a camp trend is, at greatest, semi profitable. While creating humour and celebrating gender fluid identities, it additionally undermines the said need of the playwright to honour Sappho and place her in historical past as a robust and influential scholar. When Sappho herself speaks, it’s with authority, and she or he is articulate and shifting. I have no idea if the poetry she quotes is translated from her authentic however it’s lyrical, lovely and highly effective. Georgie Fellows, enjoying Sappho, is achieved in representing the distinctiveness of feminine energy and vitality. Nonetheless, these components are misplaced within the pantomime-esque frantic escapades of the remainder of the motion. Different characters are overplayed and seem amateurish with their tendency to gurn and shout. A lot of the relevance of the actions of the refrain are misplaced in a whirling dervish of frenzied motion and the shimmering costumes and glossy gold strip background do little so as to add to the piece which is paying homage to college productions.
A enjoyable night this was certainly, however extra historic relevance and in-depth characterisation would give this piece a a lot wanted basis.
Written by: Wendy Beckett
Directed by: Wendy Beckett and Adam FItzgerald
Sappho performs at Southwark Playhouse till 25 Could. Additional info and bookings may be discovered right here.
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