REVIEW

WiLD

By Teifi  Emerald

Chapter, Cardiff

WiLD, local performer Teifi Emerald’s first solo show, is a magical and surreal blend of a child’s imagination and adult’s fears.

It is a whimsical journey to unknown lands battling the monsters within, ranging from dragons to murderous duvets. To tell her story, Teifi uses an eclectic mix of ingredients, including song, dance, stand-up and puppetry. They are weaved together to a quirky and playful effect, creating a unique world. 

Dressing up boxes scattered the stage, and I lost count of how many of times Teifi changed costume, put on different voices, and broke into spontaneous dance. It was as fun to watch as it must have been for her to perform, and I was impressed by how she sustained the energy and frenetic pace for most of the show.

The performance constantly surprised me, which made it compelling. One minute Teifi was re-living socially awkward faux-pas at house parties, the next she was skulking around the stage dressed as a tea bag monster. Near the start Teifi literally tears up a script and throws it away, adding to the sense of spontaneity and unpredictability.  

I particularly enjoyed the short animated films that punctuated the action about her battles to escape and come to terms with her inner demons.  It would’ve been great if there were more of these throughout.

WiLD feels like a rebellion against the pressure society puts on us to stop being childish, and it asks us if growing up is actually a choice not an inevitability.  

For those young at heart seeking to recapture the lost magic of childhood, this is the show for you.

WiLD is showing at Chapter Arts Centre 4^th- 6^th October: www.chapter.org.uk