Kaite O'Reilly |
| Graeae Theatre- Peeling , Edinburgh Fringe 2003 , August 27, 2003 |
| Always the extra; never the star. As Peeling begins to do what the title promises, stripping away layer after layer of hopes and secrets, the audience discovers it's not just theatre directors who keep Beaty, Coral, and Alfa tucked away from the limelight and the leading roles. Society constantly pushes them to one side, deeming them unsuitable for certain roles and opportunities. This powerfully forthright Graeae production packs its punches with fine cunning. It starts off as an acerbically funny exchange of gossipy, bitchy remarks among three actresses marooned inside their absurd costumes. They're the chorus in a post-modern version of The Trojan Woman, a drama that increasingly acts as a bitter-sweet counterpoint to their own lives. They got the gig by, in their own words, "playing the disability card" - their involvement is a tokenistic gesture towards equal opportunities. Only, as the talk turns to their past and private lives, it's clear that the opportunities are never really equal. One of the most entertaining and provocative shows around this year. The radio adaptation of 'peeling' will launch BBC Radio 3's new season of Sunday Night Theatre on Sunday 28th September 03 at 8.15pm |
Reviewed by: Mary Brennan |
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