Devotion

The ancient and ever-controversial sport of bullfighting is a theme of several shows at this year’s Fringe, though I doubt very much that this is among the best of them.

Performed mainly in Spanish (with subtitles), it tells the simple tale of two young matadors who discuss life, love and the ethics of their chosen profession as they make their ritualistic preparations for a fight.

The movements of the two men – played by Ruben Martin-Vegue and Diego Hidalgo – are measured, graceful and crackle with homoeroticism. But it’s in the dialogue that the ball gets dropped, as neither the script (by Indalecio Corugedo, who also directs) nor the delivery convinces.

Much of the action is taken up with a dressing sequence, in which an exquisite toreador’s outfit takes centre stage, replete with hat, jacket, cape and sword. It’s a sharp reminder that behind the brutality of the bull-ring, there is great beauty, artistry and passion.

As someone who has only experienced bullfighting through the work of Hemingway, I’m perhaps not best to judge whether Devotion contributes anything of value to the current debate (a debate that its opponents are undoubtedly now winning – bullfighting will be outlawed in Catalonia next year). Either way, as a piece of theatre it’s rather forceless, despite some strong movement work.