rainbow.txt

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http://www.nightnews.net/fringe2007.htm#bacchae
The Bacchae - Black & White Rainbow
2 silver bats

14 07 08 - There was a long queue to get into this show but many had 
bought tickets thinking this was the 'Alan Cummings Bacchae' at the 
EIF. Nevertheless it is always interesting to see how different 
companies handle what is a popular theatrical story of vindictive 
revenge. In this version Dionysus comes to Thebes as a Magician and
the story is presented in a stage magician and vaudevillian style. 
Though the audience warmed to some interactive parts to the 
performance, the character of Pentheus seemed detached from the rest
of the cast and so his discourses with the 'magician' figure seemed 
interminable and leaden. The character of Dionysus worked quite well
and the way that his unknowing assistants grew uncomfortable with
his strange powers was a redeeming touch. As the city loses itself 
in the revels, Pentheus is dressed like the magician, levels of hatred 
outside have risen and so to another bloody ending of this often 
presented story. Overall a missed opportunity for such an otherwise 
well attended and promising production. 

By John Vassallo