This was a curious but compelling piece based largely on the gripping performance of Robert McNamana. A brief 60 minute Kafka adaptation, it is a one man show that balances the absurd and the literal. It was only on reflection that it occurred to me that McNamara reminded me of Jack Nance.
The underlying dark humour pops up occasionally but the performance is pretty much a straight-faced account of how an ape learned to speak and the impact it had on society (of course, he ends up in a circus). It is an interesting companion piece to the voyage to the land of the Houyhnhnms, although it reaches very different conclusions.
McNamara's performance is outstanding. Although there is a sense of menace, it remains subdued. It is pretty frightening though. The coordination with sound and lighting was spot on.
A very interesting and enjoyable show that should be seen.
Robert McNamara, lead Artistic Actor & Director of Washing DC’s SCENA Theatre returns to the stage in this riveting one-man show running throughout July 2022.
The play is directed by Gabriele Jakobi, acclaimed theatre director of Berlin, Germany. Jakobi has adapted a classic Franz Kafka short story into a provocative piece which centres on an intelligent ape, “Red Peter”, who gets captured in a West Africa hunting expedition and sent to Europe on a ship. Full synopsis below.
This hilarious and heart-breaking show will open on 5th July and runs until 30th at the Old Red Lion Theatre Islington, London and tickets are available HERE.