Woven continues at Greenside @ Infirmary Street – Forest Theatre until 26 August 2023.
Star rating: three stars ★ ★ ★ ✩ ✩
We all have to cope with death in our own way and on our own terms. Some find untapped hidden strength, others simply muddle through trying to make sense of it all, while many rely heavily on family and close friends for support in their hour of need.
So how does a person cope when they find out that their loving husband has not only been unfaithful but has had multiple affairs and fathered a child with one of his mistresses? A person that in essence has lived a secretive life. How would you cope?
Woven takes us on Penelope’s personal journey of enlightening discoveries. As the recently widowed wife of a prominent political figure, she discovers a series of revelations about her husband’s secret life. Rumours, of which she had vague inklings, while other truths shock her to the core.
As each character reveals their own personal story and involvement with her husband, we discover the hidden truth and as the fragmented jigsaw of his life is pieced together, how will Penelope live with her new-found knowledge? Will she want revenge, will she crumble knowing the unmitigated truth or is there something more interesting for her to discover?
This all-female cast is led with assured composure by Jessa Smith Campbell as Penelope, while TJ Douglas-Welsh (Calypso), Mairi Ikegami (Helen), Hannah Carnac (Circe), Emma Houlahan (Aphrodite), Victoria Evaristo (Hera) and Eleanore Frances (Athena) all contribute confident, performances.
Molly Kinnon’s direction lacks a little pace at the beginning of the proceedings but gains momentum as we continue Penelope’s journey. The multi-talented Campbell is also the show’s composer and brings varied syntheses to the production.
Musical director Lavie Rabinovitz, along with his talented musicians – Ezme Gaze (cello), Mitch McGugan (violin) and Will Kinnon (trumpet) – bring much-needed support and colour to the production. It was pleasing to see and hear the band being a driving force, though never intrusive, they just enriched the whole musical experience. Also, worth mentioning is Jamie Ford, his sound design is spot on.
Flo White
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