Hadestown

HADESTOWN Teen Edition:  A musical set in a post-apocalyptic world and a story that weaves the Greek myth characters Hades, Persephone, Eurydice and Orpheus, doesn’t sound like the basis for an evening’s entertainment, but this production of Hadestown was an experience I will never forget. Hadestown’s music has a mixture of styles including folk, blues and jazz.    From the eerie opening to the heart-breaking finale, this was a show that oozed class from every tiny detail.  

I have seen very few productions where such attention has been given to the set and props.     There were lamps descending, hanging props, chairs, fans, boxes and many other props too numerous to mention. The performance space, in the round, used the floor, balcony, stairs that parted to reveal the entrance to the underworld.       Ragged clothes hung from a line, partly shielding the musicians and adding to the post-apocalyptic setting. The imposing symbol hanging at the centre of the balcony was heavily suggestive of the authoritarian setting.

The costumes were amazing with every character’s outfit chosen to perfection.    Hades looked impressive in his long black coat, especially as he descended from the balcony with an air of authority befitting his status.    There were corsets, dungarees and checked shirts.   The Fates were dressed all in black, in a similar style but with slight variations to their corsets and skirts and accessories.  

The lighting was integral to the success and impact of the theme of the show.  The use of colour at appropriate times (red to enhance the hellish atmosphere), beaming spotlights to emphasise solo performances and use of floor lights added depth and space.     There was good use of angled lighting the smoky/misty atmosphere added to the ethereal overall feel of the show. 

This BNG production was outside their usual comfort zone, it being more edgy and challenging   than their usual fare.    Although it’s a teen edition, the show is full of adult themes such as slavery, capitalism, adultery and manipulation.    There were stunning performances from the principals including Sophia Glanville-Watson as the narrator with her commanding presence as she moved the story along.    Isaac Sylvester-Bradley was perfect as the controlling Hades, clad in black ruling over his subjects from above.   The Fates sang with perfect harmonies and Imy Tickle as Orpheus and Sienna Cloete as Eurydice had great chemistry as the doomed lovers.    Idil Ucur’s performance as Persephone had immensely emotional power, suggesting a tragic Amy Winehouse.      This production, directed by Alex Williams was thrilling and moving and it was full of detailed nuances that made the show engaging.  With Luannsa Goodman’s complicated and dynamic choreography executed to perfection and the expertise of Tori Englin as Musical Director, every aspect of this production from the cast and creative team, elevated it to an unforgettable theatrical experience. 

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