Adelaide Fringe

Fringe Review: When There’s No Strength In Men

When acknowledging the Shakespeare’s great works, his male characters are normally front and centre, but not in this show as his strong, smart and resilient female characters take centre stage.

Presented by The Raw Shakespeare Project
Reviewed 22 February 2018

When acknowledging Shakespeare’s great works, his male characters are normally front and centre, but not in this show as his strong, smart and resilient female characters take centre stage.

When There’s No Strength in Men presents three vignettes with a focus on the women behind the men, pulled from the plays of the bard. From behind the tortured, king-slaying Macbeth is his dutiful and loyal wife, Lady MacBeth; as the French King surrenders his daughter to King Henry V of England, Princess Katherine of France finds her courage in nobility and sacrifice, and in As You Like It, the women who must dress as men to escape the overwhelming and overbearing male presences in their lives, Orlando and Rosalind.

All performers demonstrate dramatic skill and a flair for the language and times of Shakespeare and are able to hold the audience’s attention in this traditional theatrical format. Highlights include a wonderfully tormented performance by Leah Anderson as the guilt-crazed Lady MacBeth whose hands will never be clean of Duncan’s blood.

The stage setting is minimalist and at the same time intimate, with the stage creatively positioned in rectangular form with the audience seated on both sides. Seeking to provide a traditional presentation of Shakespeare, rejecting any modern interpretation, this set up provides a clever contrast and allows the performers to fully explore the space provided.

The costumes are accurate to what we know of Shakespeare, with the actors wearing white, flowing blouses, royal red dresses with bold gold trim (fit for a Queen), knee high socks paired with authentic kilts, and even a red and black jesters outfit makes an appearance.

Shakespeare enthusiasts will find When There’s No Strength in Men enthralling, but it may be a bit much for those not familiar with his works or tongue. For those, though, wanting to learn a bit about the playwright, this would be a fun introduction, but will require a high level of concentration.

Reviewed by Georgina Smerd
Twitter: @Georgie_xox

Rating: 3/5

Venue:  Marion RSL and Bowling Club, 31 – 39 Norfolk Road, Marion, SA, 5043
Season:  22 Feb – 3 March
Duration: 75 mins
Tickets:  $15 – $25
Bookings:  https://adelaidefringe.com.au/fringetix/when-there-s-no-strength-in-men-af2018

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