Sharply suited in black and wearing sunglasses a woman steps into the spotlight and after a dramatic pause announces - “This is the story of my severed head”.
“How rude” she continues, realising that she hasn’t even introduced herself. She is Medusa, one of the top three Gorgons of all time, blessed with formidable sight and fabulous hair. She has been put in her place for consorting with the Gods, made monstrous and mortal. Not that it might be the worst punishment; “fangs are her thang”.
In sibilant tones she will tell a tale of life, lovers, family and how she witnessed the grinding Trojan War strapped to the shield of the goddess Athena. Through her stoney gaze we will witness the heroics and more importantly the heinous misdeeds and injustices of a pantheon of characters.
Heading them up is Zeus, who appears to be worried about his image and is doing a bit of editing, something that she fights as a keeper of the archives. There are stories that need to be told or strong women who change history will be ignored, demonised, and made monsters, exemplified by her fate and prophetic Cassandra who is cursed never to be believed.
This fast paced, energetic piece of devised physical theatre sees her hack and slash through the myths, armed with little more than a microphone stand. Always on the move around the minimal set, her actions both vigorous and subtle matching her words as she raises a host of rivals.
There is a lot here, the complex linked and looping stories come thick and fast and command attention, but this is no dusty saga, the captivating storytelling is backed by an outstanding soundtrack of electronica and effects and leavened by humorous breaks in the fourth wall.
The piece is cleverly devised, and the performance can only be described as epic.
Show Times: 2 – 27 August 2023 (not 7, 14 & 21) at 3.40pm. (BSL integrated: 11, 13, 15, 16 & 19 August; Captioned: 11, 15, 16 & 19 August)
Tickets: £14 (£12) to £16 (£14).
Suitability: 12+ (This show contains strong language, references to sexual violence, violence, death and handles distressing or potentially triggering themes. There will be flashing lights and fast-moving lighting effects but no strobe.)