Opus No.7

Out of Russia two large works of theatre that filled the Corn Exchange in every sense. A capacity audience wondered at the extraordinarily beautiful Genealogy, a moving piece, presented with stunning visual dexterity, that negated the need for surtitles. This is theatre at its very best, impactful in all senses, demanding, challenging even but penetrating and inspiring.
Shostakovich in the second half was good too, and had I seen it at a different time, not just after Genealogy it might have had more impact. Visually it was certainly exciting, duelling iron framed grand pianos careening around the arena and and an excellent musical soundscape – but lacking the intensity of the first half. The symbolic giant puppet Babushka representing ‘Mother’ Russia’s strangling hold on creativity was too simplistic, nowhere near as cleverly thought out as the the first work and ultimately less satisfying.
Corn Exchange
3 May
Andrew Kay
4.5 stars