Review: ADELAIDE FRINGE 2017: PARADISE LOST at Henrietta's At The Henry Austin

By: Feb. 18, 2017
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Reviewed by Christine Pyman, Friday 17th February 2017

This intensely physical interpretation of Milton's Paradise Lost, is enthralling from the first moment, when Christopher Samuel Carroll strides onto the blue hued stage. Utilising dramatic lighting, Carroll creates the space in the viewer's mind with gestures and words, to experience what is possibly one of the most beautiful, doleful, exciting and mesmerising pieces of poetry of the Fall; the fall of Lucifer and subsequent fall of Mankind. To see the Fall enacted in front of us, is an event that will change our understanding, to see and hear this visceral rendition is to understand the power of this story at a level that transcends the literary.

An eastern influence is brought to this production, evident in the stark and spellbinding performance that has its roots in Butoh Theatre. As the story takes the viewer from Lucifer's fall to Hell, through the enactment of the Portress of Hell's Gates, to Satan, Adam, Eve, and God, the characterisations flow seemingly effortlessly, though they imply inner torture, through sinuous movements. This show brings Milton to life in an immediate, immersive and enthralling event.

This production enhances the experience of everyone who has read Milton, treat yourself by seeing it.

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