scratch.txt

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http://www.nightnews.net/fringe2007.htm#vs
Title: Velvet Scratch - Theatre Lab Company
5 gold bats

20 08 07 - Conceived and directed by Anastasia Revi, 'Velvet Scratch'
was the second stunning Fringe 2007 presentation by the brilliant 
Greek Theatre Lab Company. The show takes us on a surreal journey into
a visually striking, macabre, sensuous and haunting underworld to meet
a series of eccentric and tragic characters. The costume design and 
stage aesthetics are brilliantly rich and original. There is a 
scratchy 78 record in the background, opening the first scene to 
lend a 'fin de siecle' atmosphere to the proceedings. Once the 78 
cuts out there is an acoustic accompaniment onstage to the action. 
'Fresh fruit,' seems to be a favourite Theatre Lab metaphor and you
would never have thought before that fresh strawberries could be 
crushed so dramatically and drip so symbolically! Each strange 
character has a story; each story contains pathos, tragedy and 
sometimes more comic elements. The costume, mime, acoustic guitar,
narrative and unusual underworld characters are mesmerising. We
meet in turn the garbage man and his lover. Bruno the cook, Druna
the dreamer who is thrown to the sea, Edgar the mayor, the couple
that married to consummate their mutual hatred. Their tales are of
colourful misdeeds, cannibalism, murder, hatred and death. More
fruit is symbolically crushed as a metaphor for blood, suffering 
and pain! The sickly sweet pungent aroma of crushed strawberries 
gives these dark tales an unexpected sensory dimension! A world 
premiere that was very well received by an awestruck audience.

By John Vassallo