Anyone who had the privilege of witnessing the extraordinary monologue, Novecento, staged at the EIF in 2001, will never forget the compelling power of simple storytelling. It was based on the Italian novel, Novecento (translated as 1900), by Alessandro Baricco.
Another of his novels, “Senza Sangre” has now been adapted by the Chilean theatre company, Teatro Cinema to create their outstanding debut production with this exquisite and original cinematic storytelling style of theatre.
Performed in Spanish with English surtitles, Sin Sangre (Without Blood) is a haunting, poetic tale of Nina, who is just a young girl when her father, Dr. Roca, is murdered by three men in a war crime revenge attack. Her brother is also killed as he tries to protect his father.
Years later, time cannot dispel her memories of that night with a profound sense of loss and guilt. As the innocent victim who survived her family tragedy, she needs to confront the past and seek the truth and justice. But is it a chance for revenge or merciful forgiveness in her heart?
Perhaps inspired by modern cult 3D movies and Xbox video games, Teatro Cinema has invented an artistic fusion of film, computerised imagery and live theatre. The stage set is a huge white screen, behind which dramatised scenes are acted out “within” and around filmed sequences of people and places – driving a car along the highway, the interior of a farmhouse, cityscape, casino, cocktail bar, hotel bedroom.
The perception between reality and celluloid, past and present, time and space is blurred as Nina meets one of the perpetrators, to discuss and narrate their own personal version of the story. The characters, performed by the small ensemble of actors, seem to step in and out of the movie, creating a stunning 3D effect.
With superb lighting, sound effects and evocative music, this is total, all-encompassing theatre for the digital age. A truly magical, visual and dramatic experience.
Show times
28 and 30 August, 1 and 3 September, at 8pm
Ticket prices
£12 - £27