This performance was never going to be a side-splitter. But why should it be? Riddled with vodka, this contemporary musical theatre promises no laughs, taking inspiration from Chekhov and his feathered antics in his play of general unhappiness.
Making clever use of sympathetic lighting, slide shows, and live music, alcoholic Masha guides us through her memories piecing together bit (by slow and slightly confused) bit, the real reason for her unhappiness, her loss of friendship, and her complete desolation in love. She talks of the ‘Euphoria of stolen moments’ and embellishes this with powerful testaments of the strength of love that are later shared and repeated by her counterpart, the excitable, loveable and flirtatious Nina. The difficulty of trying to convey such deep emotions is no mean task. Unfortunately, although very proficient in their script, the task seemed too much as I was left willing these actors to draw the emotion from somewhere, for Masha to break down from the weight of despair hanging over her and Nina and Constantin to scream and cry with frustration in the face of failed love.
Forming their delicate and dismal love triangle to the backing track of freedom fighting and nuclear disarmament eco songs, this production was different to say the least. But added to the casts’ skilled use of mime and passionate switches (look out for the kiss) from memory to moment kept the audience captivated in their refreshing interpretations. Everything seemed as if it should be very meaningful, especially in regards to the effect of drink on Masha’s memories. However, the symbolism and repetitions left me in the dark. The thing I was looking forward to came with the end of the play when Masha let rip at Nina - a scene brilliantly acted by Laura Lexx - and the effects of the vodka bottle seemed to finally take effect.
The beauty of theatre is that everyone takes away something different from a production, especially one laced with hidden meanings such as this, making it worth a watch. I enjoyed the music, and their clever interpretations of time and space were a real success, but what I expected was passion and I, unfortunately was left a little cold. Words were not enough for me; what I needed and missed was good old fashioned raw feeling.