Apollo/Dionysus

The Dead, in the form of actors Andrew Oliveira and Jonny Iron caused quite a stir at the C venue launch when they turned up naked to promote this show. Well, they spend the entire performance in the buff, so at least the audience had a genuine preview.

And quite an extraordinary show it is too, unlike anything else in Edinburgh this year. Performed on a simple white mat, they play the parts of Apollo and Dionysus respectively as the try to convince a child (Jack Speckleson) of their point of view – that is, how a mortal being should live his life.

The movement is stylishly choreographed and very dynamic, enhanced by Nigel Shaw’s haunting music. Both young men are pretty damn lithe and attractive, which certainly helps, but more importantly they’re fine actors. The arguments were coherent and it was quite tricky to decide who’s side to be on – the fun, wine-swilling Epicureanism of Dionysus, or the moral, water-drinking nobility of Apollo. This debate is enlivened by the fact half the audience is given water to drink and the other half wine. From where I was sitting, unfortunately amongst the water drinkers, it smelt like real wine, especially when Dionysus bathed himself in it from head to… er… well… it didn’t quite reach his toes.

There’s a surprise twist in events in the last fifteen minutes, and I found it all quite compelling. Unfortunately, it’s a bit too long, especially at such a late hour and humorous moments a bit thin on the ground. But writer Daniel Austin’s script (there’s no director credited) is terrific.

Don’t take your granny.