Psyche is the first English translation of a one-woman show from Sandor Weores' collections of letters, poems and various documents that chronicle the life of a fictional 19th-century woman around whom the play centres. The titular character uses Weores' epistolary material to lead the audience through a journey of sexual discovery and trauma as she deals with the psychological toll that her encounters may (or may not) have had on her.
A raw and passionate performance from a gifted storyteller
The production cuts a striking scene with a stark and effective flooring of chequered tiles and a full-sized bath that serves as the vessel of the countess' purification and an effective theatrical contrivance.
Stella Abel is a gifted storyteller, and her vibrant and sexually charged performance as the enigmatic and unleashed titular Romani Countess is a bold and challenging watch. Abel's passion for the material is evident throughout as she connects with the words on a visceral level and, in turn, transfers this connection to the audience.
There is no doubt, however, that the fringe version of this show loses something in the necessary cuts made due to the limitations of the space's stage. The lack of water in the bath, which would have been present in the original production, was felt throughout. Its absence caused the direction to become too static at times, with the play's action focused too much on this central contrivance without the intended payoff.
The production is a fascinating watch and a good opportunity to discover the beauty and poetry of Hungarian literature.
