TWO SISTERS AND A PIANO: till 25 October
Riverside
TWO SISTERS AND A PIANO: Nilo Cruz
Out of The Box Productions: 0207 9351 360
Runs: 2hrs: One Interval: till 25 Oct
Performance Time: 19h 45
Review: Hugh Allison: Riverside Studios: 20 Oct
Detailed: gripping: a lively and poignant performance
Two Sisters is a lively piece set in Cuba during the Russian communist downfall of 1991. There are moments of music and dance as well as sheer sexual magnetism. The costumes are brightly coloured; truly this is CubaFest.
We follow Sophie, a 24 year old pianist under house arrest alongside her elder sister Maria Celia Celia has been involved in the production of Anti-Red literature. It is hinted that Sophie is naive, whereas Maria Celia is cynical, although, as with life, it cannot be that simple.
The success of the piece lies with Cruz's writing. This is what makes Maria Celia so plausible with her non-defeatist attitude, believing that she can lead a hunger strike, which will make a difference. Botello's strong performance does justice to this piece of writing, although credit must go to the whole cast, for making the show incredibly gripping. Hudson's performance as Piano Tuner Victor Manauel is beautifully poignant (he accepts Sophie's father's shows in lieu of payment) and it is a shame that the character only appears in the one scene.
The set is exceptionally detailed in its shabbiness. From the bulb falling out of its socket to the rocking chair with but one arm, Barnes has thought of everything to make their house as unpleasant for its inhabitants as possible.
The simple way in which the piano is covered up to symbolise its removal is genius in its metaphorical effect (it resembles a coffin, so signifies the death of Sophie's enjoyment through Art) whilst being a practical way to prevent an otherwise lengthy scene change.
Funny and traditional: poignant and original.
Sophie: Eva Alexander
Maria Celia: Cataline Botello
Lieutenant Portuondo: Robert Cavanah
Victor Manuael: Stephen Hudson
Director: Paola Dionisotti
Designer: Nick Barnes
Lighting: Gerry Jenkinson
Sound: Stephen Hudson
2003-10-21 15:39:54