Adelaide Fringe

Fringe Review: Marathon

Night-time. A country lane. Two men training run into their past and into their future. A simple exploration of what it means to be alive. Two mates are preparing to run the New York marathon, and on the surface level, this play is a snapshot of a routine training session. Soon, however, familiar landmarks go unobserved, and a metaphysical fog blankets the characters. All is not what it seems.

Presented by Adapt Enterprises Pty Ltd & Curtis Brown Group Ltd
Reviewed 4th March 2018

They say that actors need just as much stamina as athletes, but never before has this aphorism been so relevant.

Two mates are preparing to run the New York marathon, and on the surface level, this play is a snapshot of a routine training session. Steve and Mark, played by Ross Vosvotekas and Adam Cirillo respectively, jog next to each other, and exchange their opinions on life and death. Admitted in the programme notes to be a chauvinistic view on life, they curse to excess, often unnecessarily, and continually argue about their old-fashioned beliefs about women and sex. Edoardo Erba’s script seems obsolescently objectifying; especially in the midst of the rising feminist movement.

Below surface level, however, the play is much more than a simple training run. Steve and Mark symbolise polarised attitudes to life: Cirillo was suitably brash as the phlegmatic, reluctant Mark, who is easily wound up and craves freedom of choice, while Vosvotekas, donning sweat bands and a knee brace, gave a fine performance of Steve, the anal-retentive for whom fitness is a source of sexual pride and a way of demonstrating his masculinity. In this sense, the New York marathon takes on the quality of an elusive utopia that neither character will reach. Soon, familiar landmarks go unobserved, and a metaphysical fog blankets the characters. All is not what it seems.

The Crown and Anchor is one of the busiest pubs on Grenfell Street, and is well known for it’s emphasis on live musicians. Unfortunately this meant that, half way through this Sunday night performance in the Band Room, amplified acoustic music became a significant distraction, stealing away the audiences focus from the actors. Fringe is a chaotic time and venues have their work cut out to please everyone; but as the issue occurred most of the way through the show, one wonders why the venue couldn’t have a little more respect, and waited another 20 minutes.

Marathon is deserving of your time this Fringe. A good night out at the theatre.

Reviewed by Ben Francis

Rating out of 5: 4

Venue:  The Band Room @ The Crown and Anchor Hotel
Season:  Remainings shows 8th – 18th March
Duration:  60 mins
Tickets:  $25
Bookings:  https://adelaidefringe.com.au/fringetix/marathon-by-edoardo-erba-translated-by-colin-teevan-af2018

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