Bold but detached Barbe Bleue
There are plenty of great elements in Barbe Bleue, directed by Gopala Davies. As young artists they are challenging themselves and working hard to challenge us too – this is commendable. But unfortunately the elements don’t hang together well enough as a whole, to make the show effective or hard-hitting.
Conceptually, it is intriguing. The AV work is exceptional: sharp and clear and artistically stimulating. Their one idea to use a plain block to concentrate our gaze within the main video is excellent. The costuming is great and some props are used creatively. The actresses’ singing is exceptional.
The story of Bluebeard is used to develop the concept. And Barbe Bleue does have clear messages, looking at gender roles in society. In fact, the people in the videos tell us exactly this.
The scenes with each woman are evocative and use strong imagery, asking questions about masculinity and patriarchal control, and showing archetypal women. But what are promising starts don’t materialise deeper interrogations. Again, we rely on the video to explain or juxtapose what’s happening on stage to help us delve deeper.
Something is lacking.
There’s no character, no person, no ‘story’ to care about… I don’t want realism (really, I don’t), and I don’t need a protagonist or a neat narrative. Be fragmented. Be postmodern. Be avant-garde. But with this kind of cerebral work, without a ‘hook’ and something to connect to, it relies on cool theatrical tricks and atmospheric evocation.
A major concern is that we can barely see anyone on stage. Yes, the dark, shadowy, moody lighting states are necessary. But we must see the performers. If we can’t see their faces on stage, how can we access their emotional states?
The parts of the whole were excellent. Impressive. But the whole needs an Ariadne and her golden thread to guide us through the maze… and make us want to care about what’s going on.
All said, I do look forward to seeing what Davies and his team will bring us next.
– Sarah Roberson
Click here for production info. Barbe Bleue‘s last show is tomorrow 11 July @ 18.00 @ Masonic Back.