By Rosie Hetherington The imagined abuses of a young boy, now where have I heard that before? This short play based on an Ancient Greek myth could not have appeared at a better time. It's an excellent piece of new writing with strong performances and powerful descriptions that grab your attention and hold it till the very end. This production by the Somerville Drama Society centres on that difficult period of life, adolescence. That magical time when a young child finally grows out of that cute stage where they could get away with murder and becomes an adult where it's much more difficult to escape. As "Nurse"(Anna Kelly) struggles for control over "Attis" (Michael Donkor), against his grandmother "Cybele" (Sophie Kainradl) they almost tear him apart. Don't confuse it with Howard Barker it's not that uncomfortable to sit through. Though since I'm having a bit of a blonde week I wasn't clear about everything. Like in the beginning when the "pirate" (Jack Ream) appeared for a short time and was never seen again. It was the same with "Double Vision" the other week. The poor actor is on stage for a short time right at the beginning of the show then disappears not even returning in time to take his bow at the end. These talented writer/directors have pulled together so many themes and ideas that I am quite tempted to go and see it again for clarification purposes. Especially since word has it that Felicity Jones may now be well enough to return to the role of "Attis". What a difference three female leads might make to the suggestive choreographed movements I'm sure can be left to your own imaginations. |