kerouac.txt

http://www.nightnews.net/fringe2008.htm#kerouac

Kerouac: and - all - that - Jazz - One Off Productions
venue :: Sweet ECA
see links :: Sweet download
http://www.sweet-uk.net/edinburgh/2008/shows/full/kerouacandallthatjazz.htm
category :: Theatre
Reviewed date :: 22 08 08

Review: The house was almost full for this interesting, literary 
inspired show and had been running almost to capacity every night 
throughout the Fringe according to the stage crew. This was an 
opportunity to pay homage to the writings of Jack Kerouac who inspired
the whole idea of alternative culture and expression across countless
generations in multiple countries. Writer Barrie Wheatley does such a
good job with this show, that any deviation from American accents that
creeps into the Hull cast's rendition of the play, can be easily 
forgiven. The audience turn out gave a clear signal that sympathy 
for the presumed sentiments behind Jack Kerouac's writings are still
alive, in this the fiftieth year since the publication of his best 
known work, 'On the Road.' The cast of Hull based 'One off 
Productions' do a great job in presenting the narrative behind 
Kerouac's writings from his life, both as young writer and his, 
'reflective older Jack,' with both characters onstage throughout. 
The jazz music and dancing of the era that served as a backdrop for
social and literary life, is used to punctuate the action and provide
transitions between scenes. This is choreographed by Sarah Knowles in
spontaneous and unselfconscious displays which avoid the risk of seeming
'corny' in any way. Added atmosphere comes from black and white 
projection, stage props of Kerouac book spines, period 50's design
such as automobiles and ancient typewriters. Add ladies hairstyles,
fashion and the production engenders complete assimilation with 1950's
onwards culture for the duration of the show which kept an appreciative
audience fully hooked. The style of the production is to flip between 
the energy and idealism of young Jack (Andy Feetom) the writer and older
Jack (Chris Gruca) who is pretty much worn out, as he looks back on his 
younger self. Central to the story is Jack's relationship with his muse 
of the day, bisexual, bohemian and ne'er do well Neal Cassady (the Dean
Moriarty of 'On the Road.') Also appearing onstage are Allen Ginsberg,
the host of women intertwined throughout most of the lives of these
characters and surprisingly Jack Kerouac's mum! The show has a steady,
engaging pace and the scenes and anecdotes from the lives of all the
characters are always interesting and entertaining. Their boho sex 
lives and relationships are always convoluted, fickle and slightly 
debauched. Jack is both attracted, fascinated and repelled by his 
friends at different times as their lives take different turns. Neal
Cassady's life is a constant blowjob, loyalties shift, distractions 
come from literature, sex, booze, music, moving around, later TV, 
poetry and the drugs of the era. Kerouac's success bred imitators,
pretension and launched the age of hipsters, poetry parties and 
literary posing, all in the wake of a disgusted and strung out younger
Jack. Old Jack reflects that seeking justification for their lives 
in the philosophy of libertines and free thinkers may have appeal to
the younger man, but that the lifestyle itself is ultimately as self
defeating and futile as any other. Then again Jack Kerouac wrapped 
great literature around those moments in their lives when the music
was cool, the girls were all hot and the guys were all great hanging
out buddies. That last may be the reason why we are all watching the
show and the reason behind the enduring, timeless and idealistic 
appeal of the original novel.
5 gold bats

by John C Vassallo