The Dark Philosophers

National Theatre Wales with Told by an Idiot

Venue: The Riverfront, Newport

Directed by: Paul Hunter

Verdict: ****

Reviewed By Chelsey Gillard

A drama critics dream, The Dark Philosophers is brilliantly bizarre. The highly physical piece asked a lot from the performers with each one taking on numerous roles, including animating the giant puppet that was the terrifying Oscar; owner of the Welsh mountain where the play is set.

As Gwyn Thomas’ stories are acted out he watches proceedings narrating and often offering the characters appropriate lines. Although this was a very clever device that gave insight into the writer’s mind, the mask that was worn throughout the performance made the character seem distant and less real than some of the others. Having said this Glyn Pritchard more than made up for the lack of facial expressions with flamboyant gestures and a superb voice.

The set was a ramshackle pile of wardrobes and drawers that were used to portray houses, pubs and bedrooms. This brilliant design perfectly illustrated how the characters could have no secrets due to their proximity.

Each character, even those with no lines, was unique. The eight actors were brilliant at changing their body language, voices and even genders to suit each oddball inhabitant of the valley. Any Welsh person watching the show would easily identify with these characters that seem to pop up all over the country.

Original music by Iain Johnstone added to the tension, especially in what seemed to be a murder scene. The actors urged the potential murderer on with an intricate multipart song and chant that had my heart pounding with anticipation.

Although the production may not be to the taste of more traditional theatre goers and Gwyn Thomas fans, I found it compelling. Real empathy was developed between the audience and characters and I was genuinely moved by some of the stories. Elements of the show reminded me of Dylan Thomas’ “Under Milkwood” especially the dark humour and eccentric personalities. It was a brave production but the risks definitely paid off.

The Dark Philosophers will also be performed at Y Stiwt, Wrexham on Friday 19^th and Saturday 20^th, November.