Reader Reviews
After Dido (The Young Vic, Inner London)
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 | Katie Mitchell is a remarkable director. Her innovative productions at the National Theatre, most recently "The Waves", have been thrilling. Her startling use of film has enabled her to illuminate a play in a way which is impossible in conventional theatre. I assume that her aim in 'After Dido' is to illuminate 'Dido and Aeneas' by contemporary scenes of loss and grief. However, although there are some typically visually stunning moments, the evening does not succeed in its aim because (as so often with singers), it is simply not possible to hear the words that are being sung with the result that, if she is contrasting what is being sung about with what we see in the film, the audience is denied the opportunity to understand that this is waht she is doing. Also, the pieces that are read are done so in such hushed tones that it is not possible to hear what is being said. Surtitles would have helped a great deal although they should not be necessary. - fred | 26 Apr 09 |
