STYX

A mixture of mythology, memory and music. STYX – fresh from its award-winning run at the Perth Fringe – is gig-theatre which explores the memories of writer Max Barton’s grandmother Flora who has just been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s though a mixture of recordings, indie music, science of the mind, storytelling and Greek mythology with a large focus on the myth of Orpheus and Eurydice. Produced by new company Second Body, STYX is a moving and outstanding experience unlike anything I have seen at the Edinburgh Fringe.

A moving and outstanding experience

The show is performed by Max Barton and an ensemble of alt-rock musicians from Australia who really shine throughout with beautiful musical performances, interesting scientific messages and touching, realist moments of humour, passion and pain. Barton – who wrote the show and music – leads well in a relatable and powerful performance. Barton’s writing and ability to combine so many parts are also something to be commended. This could have easily been incredibly messy with so much happening but the show is paced well, keeping you entirely engaged with the emotions and music that pours from the stage.

The lighting and sound design, done by Jethro Cooke, is incredible. The set is decorated by a mixture of hanging bulbs which react to different moments within the show, really adding to the atmosphere. This is also supported by excellent sound design which ties together the music, audio recordings, spoken word and moments of pure, disorientating mythos like a fine tapestry which is a feast for the scenes.

STYX is an emotional storytelling experience of life, death and memories which truly shows the power of music and the complexity of our memories. The whole cast, especially the work of Max and Jethro, has done an excellent job in combining aspects of storytelling, music and science into incredibly beautiful and emotional theatre.