AXEL & BERTHA
Based on "Kamraterna" by August Strindberg
Rosemary Branch Theatre
5 March - 12 April 2003
Translated, Adapted and Directed by Terje Tveit
Lighting Design by Finnuala McNulty
| Cast: (in order of appearance) |
|
| Carl |
Paul Engers |
| Axel |
Andrew Crabb |
| Willmer |
Xavier Williams |
| Bertha |
Anouka Brook |
| Abel |
Cleo Sylvestre |
| Therèse |
Stephanie Jory |
What the Critics said:
"The director, Terje Tveit makes effective use of a series of picture frames
both to indicate when a character is not part of the immediate action and to demonstrate
that these creatures are artificial creations of their own making. … The whole cast is
well drilled and their complex character motivations are perfectly clear to the audience.
… The company's own translation means the humour is not lost on a contemporary audience,
and fans of Nordic miserablism shouldn't miss a rare opportunity to catch Axel & Bertha
while it is around."
TheatreNet
"The production is full of interesting stylistic touches in the set and performances.
… Xavier Williams made a fittingly louche and dissolute Gaga, the artist's model and
hopeless novelist. … The three female characters were both realistically sympathetic
and infuriating in their efforts escape the assigned role of muse or subject of the artist
- the actresses were able to give their performances a vulnerability, without being pathetic."
Culture Wars
"Director Terje Tveit employs the unusual, but effective, technique of using picture
frames to isolate different people and actions on the stage. This is an engaging and revealing
story which exposes some of the disturbing parts of human character with endearing humour."
Hackney Gazette
"Terje Tveit has created a lively piece of theatre that plays very well. His gregarious
style never once seems confined by the intimate size of the theatre and the cast appears at
ease with the single set conventions - this production is vivacious, witty and beautifully
performed. Anouka Brook is delightful as the scheming Bertha while Andrew Crabb as Axel
excels at balancing the mixture of male arrogance and unhealthy guilt required. Stephanie
Jory as the vivacious Therèse and Xavier Williams as the arrogant model Gaga sparkle. Cleo
Sylvestre provides fine support as the brittle Abel, while the piece is skilfully narrated
with skill and clarity by Paul Engers."
The Stage
|
 Stephanie Jory, Andrew Crabb
Andrew Crabb, Paul Engers,
Anouka Brook
Anouka Brook, Xavier Williams,
Cleo Sylvestre
Paul Engers, Anouka Brook,
Andrew Crabb
|
