Antonios Revenge
C Venues Alto
Half Trick Theatre (NZ/UK)
It is an unusual and ambitious idea to stage an adaptation of John Marston’s rarely performed Jacobean revenge tragedy. A play brimming with linguistic superfluity and spectacular gore, John Marston’s Antonio’s Revenge (1599) has been portrayed by critics as everything from a brilliant burlesque of revenge tragedies to a grotesquely overwrought literary disaster. While the play is, as the title might suggest, a revenge tragedy, the degree to which its author intended it to be seriously received as one is a matter of persistent critical contention. Part of this confusion lies in the play’s notorious excesses in language, characterization, and violence. The play’s bizarre ending is especially problematic: in the final act, Antonio and his friends not only torture and kill the villainous Piero, they also murder and cook an innocent child. Instead of being punished, however, these revengers are heaped with praise and offered rewards
Half Trick’s production of “Antonio’s Revenge” starts as it ends with plenty of bloodshed and murder. Bad guy Piero Sforza has murdered Andrugio and Feliche junior with plans to marry Andrugio’s wife and gain more power in the process but first he must take care of Andrugio’s son/ his soon to be son in law Antonio. Pervy, sexy and bloody this young cast make the most of the hour they have onstage keeping all the important plot points and key scenes intact. Five actors share eleven roles with complete costume changes. It is quite a feat! The cast are obviously enjoying themselves and this is a joy especially as this is a very late night slot at the Fringe (perhaps adding to the play’s spooky/horror feel). It’s not always 100% easy to follow but that doesn’t matter much. We get the gist. Strong work from Courtney Basset as Piero. Juliet Gentle as Antonio is also credible. Hats off to Half Trick – a company to watch.
Kate Gaul
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