| “Electrifying Performances and Transcendent Voices” |
Wales at Edinburgh Fringe in the 2020s |
| Double Drop- Dirty Protest , Summerhall, Anatomy Lecture Theatre , September 2, 2022 |
Wales Arts International supported three productions to comprise an “official showcase” for the Fringe. The selection process included a panel made up of Dawn Walton, Claire Verlet, Liara Barussi, Krystal Lowe, Tunde Adefioye, Nici Beech and chaired by Maggie Dunning. Dirty Protest was one of the beneficiaries. “Double Drop” is described as a new play, which it both is and is not. A production with the same name and performers played at the MultiStory open-air hub at the 2021 Fringe. Its appearance in the sequence “Wales at Edinburgh Fringe” of 21st August 2021 includes: “Two worlds – old and new, tradition and trance, bards and beats – come crashing together hilariously over an energetic, exuberant hour, set to original music by 9Bach. Mirain Haf Roberts gives a tremendous, tub-thumping central performance, as does Brown herself, multi-rolling as everyone from Esmi’s anxious mother to the Opium-addled Eisteddfod founder Iolo Morganwg. Exactly the sort of show that would usually have the Roundabout hopping every evening.” And: “The venue was unassumingly epic: nestled on the roof of a car park with an unmatched view of Edinburgh castle directly behind, it was as Fringe as it gets. This show had an amazing intention and was certainly a roller-coaster...the crazy and enthralling world of Esme and her pals...incredibly entertaining...would be a joy to see again.” The new production is described as a “a brand new, fully realised production.” But with productions outnumbering reviewers hugely it received fewer reviews than it deserved. Three Weeks was there to write: “In this exuberant show Eisteddfod meets rave with chaotic comic effect. We meet Esmi, reminiscing about her rebellious youth and lost friendships – and the Eisteddfod, though she’s still critical of the pressures it can impose on children. But in the hilarious and sharply observed central scenes, a drug-inspired catharsis takes younger Esmi to a fuller appreciation of cultural tradition. “With equally abrupt revelation, she also starts to see her mother more clearly and become more able to return her love. Mirain Haf Roberts is joyously effervescent as Esmi and well supported by the role-changing Emmy Stonelake. At times I felt there could have been more variation of pitch though I loved the music from 9Bach and wanted to hear more.” Audience feedback was strong: “Amazing Show, amazing voices. Edinburgh Fringe at its best! Diolch yn fawr.” “Fun, positive & original. Had pathos, comedy & music. Singing was outstanding. What a good fringe show should be.” “This show is both funny and heartbreaking with an amazing soundtrack. Fusing old and new cultures together and the challenges this brings beautifully. Both stars of the show sing beautifully.” “Electrifying performances and transcendent voices, in this high-N-R-G story of a young Welsh woman reconciling old and new culture in order to own her identity. Rave culture and tradition are fused together in this pulsating piece.” Sources: https://threeweeksedinburgh.com/article/double-drop-dirty-protest-theatre/ https://tickets.edfringe.com/whats-on/double-drop |
Reviewed by: Adam Somerset |
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