Young and Hungry on EDGE

The Young and Hungry Arts Trust Ambassadors are a group of keen bean Year 12 & 13 students, who attend shows at Circa and others theatres throughout the year and write reviews.  They joined us at EDGE on Tuesday night.  Here is one of the reviews for you to enjoy!

EDGE

Reviewed by Zoe Fuller, Queen Margaret College

From the moment I was informed of the title and contextual basis of the play, I was ready to succumb to Sylvia Plath’s world of mental brutality, bleakness and darkness; the three things that Plath emulated in her final poem EDGE. Being familiar with Sylvia Plath’s works I was curious as to how the play would be structured and slightly apprehensive on it being a one woman show.

However, when I walked into the Theatre, the set consisting of multiple chairs, scattered books and a writing desk, served to capture my curiosity and excitement. It also eliminated my hesitant approach for the events to follow.

Angelica Page as Sylvia Plath in EDGE

The play is set in 1963 and explores the possible events and mental state of Sylvia Plath on the day she commits suicide. The spellbinding production is both captivating and intense. It presents Sylvia’s entire life in an artistic manner that allows the audience to be enraptured by her tale and sympathies with her character. The playwright, Paul Alexander, skillfully integrates lines from Plath’s poetry into the production. This serves to further enhance the presentation of Sylvia’s poetic outlet and recollection of her past.  The production, like Plath’s poem EDGE, does not serve to please the audience but rather exists to express a colossal presentation of Plath’s emotional states. Furthermore, not only is it an exploration of Plath’s life before she dies but it also unveils society’s ability to perform acts of cruelty and the consequences of doing so. Overall, the play is an emulation of intensity that will forever remain in my memory.

Angelica Page as Sylvia Plath in EDGE

The set, although busy, was very effective in terms of its symbolic projection and relationship with the actress. From my interpretation, I gathered that the books were individual representations of both Sylvia’s past and her poetry. Their presence illuminated her passion for writing and also acted as small portals into Sylvia’s turbulent past.  During the play, Sylvia often collected and sorted the books, which I found to be her way of collecting, accepting and saying goodbye to her past life. Furthermore, the set had just the right amount of props and furniture to allow the audience’s attention to remain fixated on the actress herself and the story she was telling.

The actress who played Sylvia Plath, Angelica Page, performed Sylvia Plath so skillfully that the idea of resurrection became believable. Her ability to transition between a wide range of characters of different genders and ages and emotions was both phenomenal and inspirational.

Overall, the entire production was absolutely incredible and an unforgettable experience.


EDGE has only two more shows on Wednesday 17 and Saturday 20 June - BOOK NOW!  http://www.circa.co.nz/site/Shows/Edge

FINAL WEEK of ANGELICA PAGE

FINAL WEEK of ANGELICA PAGE ON THE CIRCA STAGE

The dynamic and highly acclaimed seasons of Edge and Turning Page at Circa Theatre are almost at an end. Angelica Page is gracing the Circa stage with these two riveting shows that are not to be missed.

Angelica Page as her mother Geraldine Page in TURNING PAGE

"A great play, rich and textured" Tilda Bostwick, Wotzon. Turning Page

"A fine actress, so natural and believable" Tilda Bostwick, Wotzon. Edge

"An incredible glimpse into the world of Sylvia Plath" Tilda Bostwick, Wotzon. Edge

Angelica Page as Sylvia Plath in EDGE

"Angelica's beautifully honed performance offers a rich, multi-layered experience." John Smythe, Theatreview. Edge

"Interesting, insightful and entertaining" John Smythe, Theatreview. Turning Page

"Paradoxically life-affirming" John Smythe, Theatreview. Edge

Angelica Page as Sylvia Plath in EDGE

Audiences experiencing TURNING PAGE have been privy to stories of the greats; "I felt quite voyeuristic watching it though, maybe because of the star quality of the many names being dropped and the craziness of the lives being lived." Tilda Bostwick, Wotzon.

Angelica Page as her mother Geraldine Page in TURNING PAGE

James Dean, Marlon Brando, Tennesee Williams, Miles Davis, Marilyn Monroe and John Wayne are just a few of many greats mentioned, whose lives were intertwined with the great Geraldine Page, mother to Angelica Page. This beautiful exploration of mother and daughter leaves the audiences with a unique and generous glimpse into the worlds of Hollywood and Broadway.

Angelica Page as her mother Geraldine Page in TURNING PAGE

Whether or not you know Sylvia Plath and her great works, EDGE is a "powerful, brilliantly performed" (Dominion Post) and moving account of the life of this great poet, and it is "impossible not to be drawn in" (Theatreview).

Angelica Page as Sylvia Page in EDGE

"Angelica embodies the subjective reality of Sylvia – or Sivvy, as her mother called her – with a profound blend of insight, vulnerability, sardonic humour and bitter-sweet compassion." John Smythe, Theatreview.

"What is so moving about Angelica Page's enthralling performance is how she conveys the fluidity of Plath's mercurial temperament and at the same time showing Plath taking the audience into her confidence and winning it over to her side with her sardonic humour." Laurie Atkinson, Dominion Post.

Angelica Page as Sylvia Plath in EDGE

"Angelica is a fine actress, so natural and believable, we are so taken into Sylvia’s world, her history, her life and her pain that when the end is nigh I wanted to leap on stage; save the children, turn the stove off and kill Ted, instead I rushed home and did some serious Google research into the life and times!" Tilda Bostwick, Wotzon.

Don't miss these breathtaking shows - only 5 shows left - Must end Saturday!

Makes sure you hurry and book in now 8017992 or at circa.co.nz