The Secret Death of Salvador Dali: Riverside, London, Till 18 Sept
THE SECRET DEATH OF SALVADOR DALI
by Stephen Sewell
Riverside Studios, Crisp Road, Hammersmith
To 18th September 2002
Mon-Sat 8pm
Runs 1hr 15min No interval
£12 (£8 Con)
Tickets: 020 8237 1111
Review Emma Dunford 29 August
In who else’s world but Salvador Dali’s can a penis double up as a microphone and a beanbag double up as a penis? Sounds crude? You don’t even know the half of it. A Tour de Force.A single picture frame is suspended from the ceiling, behind which sits a huge white beanbag-type cushion starkly set against a black backdrop. On the right hand side is a wooden cabinet, with a lonesome egg placed on the top, both objects illuminated by a bulb hanging above. The only other object, also unequivocally arranged, is a suspended angel violinist in a tuxedo, his notes reaching out in a whining, dismal, droning wail. Even before the play has started the whole scenario seems mad!
But then the play begins and things get even madder, suggesting that Salvador Dali really did live the idiosyncratic, surreal and eccentric life that his paintings suggest.
Inanimate objects are used as props that not only suspend, but also transcend our disbelief. Is the picture frame really a window and, if so, is it a window to the outside of this world or another world entirely? Is the beanbag a bed, a penis, a worm or a moustache? Is the violinist an angel or does he represent death? And as if this isn’t confusing enough, you then have the actors to contend with – one man and one woman who play a multitude of roles, displaying the life and death of Salvador Dali by mimicking all those who inadvertently influenced his erratic mind. Great stuff!
Written by the award winning Australian playwright, Stephen Sewell, this manic, deranged tour de force teaches us that Dali was unstable, controversial and sordid. Indeed, his incestuous relationship with his sister is tame in comparison to his other antics we are often painfully subjected to – the prudish may wish to avert their eyes or block up their ears! But amidst the nakedness of the actors and the irreverence of the script, the performance is highly skilful and intriguing to watch.
It is a definite plus to be able to discern the intermittent references to his art - and it was a relief to discover there was no second half - the first was exhausting enough. But for Dali fans and critics alike this innovative and somewhat outrageous performance is definitely one to put in the diary.
Featuring: Julie Eckersley and Trevor Stuart
Stunt violinist: Shenzo Gregorio
Directed by: Scott Maidment and Sue Rider
Written by: Stephen Sewell
Based on the original co-production by Strut and Fret Production House, La Boite Theatre and The Brisbane Festival
2002-08-30 13:53:49