Everything Theatre Reviews, interviews and news for theatre lovers, London and beyond
Camden Fringe
A delightful fusion of Shakespearean tragedy and Commedia dell'arte that’s both playful and charming.Summary
Rating
Good
In the tiny Etcetera Theatre Bottegavaga presents a little gem of a show. The premise is to see the interplay of Shakespeare and Commedia dell’arte (an improvised Italian theatre style using masks) – both are contemporaries in their origins. The focus for this show is Shakespeare’s tragedy Romeo and Juliet, delivered in a mixture of English and Italian, with rhyming couplets and mask characterisations.
We meet Felicity, played by Bettyna Andriolo, who has been to see Juliet’s balcony in Verona and laments the tragic love story. Addressing the audience, she asks for help in retelling the story and Arlecchino, played by Vanni Carpenedo, volunteers. They come from two theatre traditions and there is delightful and energetic argument about who should tell the story. There are misunderstandings of language and cultures but, in the end, a compromise is agreed. In this exchange we are very skilfully introduced to the masks of Commedia dell’arte. In many ways it is playful, something children will recognise instantly, the actors play with roles and character formation using props, cloths, hats and masks. The flyer recommends the show for adults and children from 8 years, and I agree that this is a very accessible show, including those who may not know the source material very well.
The physical theatre traditions of the masks of Commedia dell’arte have particular characteristics, and as the story is told these are matched to various Shakespearean roles, which in turn clarify their particular rationale in the tale.
There is a lot of humour and moments of joy, love and the growing realisation of the tragedy approaching, which seemingly cannot be avoided, much to Felicity’s lament. We see some key scenes from the play, like that set on Juliet’s balcony. This is beautifully created using a stage block and an umbrella! The block is the only piece of set, the story is explained and drawn out of the things in Felicity’s basket and Arlecchino’s backpack. These are used with great expertise by the actors, they embody the roles they play and bring them to life.
The final layer is the music. The tracks used enhance the action occurring on stage, including the same one as used at the finale of Baz Lurhmann’s Moulin Rouge, a director who also famously adapted Romeo & Juliet. At times, the sound levels are too loud, drowning out the performances, but it’s still impressive how these are perfectly timed to the music.
The resolution of the show feels a little contrived but doesn’t detract from this unique and enjoyable theatrical experience. This is an experiment in blending two theatre traditions with the resultant concoction being sweet, delightful and joyous.
Directed by: Alberta Toninato
Dramaturgy & Produced by: Valerie Kaneko-Lucas
Arlecchino & Felicity – Romeo and Juliet unchained has finished its run at the Etcetera Theatre as part of Camden Fringe.
