Spring Awakening

Synopsis

Frank Wedekind's stunning exploration of sexual innocence and experience may be over hundred years old but still has the power to shock and disturb. As sexual awakening dawns, three adult-children begin to cross boundaries which they never imagined existed culminating in birth, death, imprisonment and a new understanding of sexuality.

Our Review:

Roz Carter - 18 January 2013

Spring Awakening is a never going to be an "enjoyable" evening at the theatre. Provocative, yes. Disturbing at times, yes. But not enjoyable. Set in late 19th century Germany, it follows a handful of teenagers as they discover their burgeoning sexuality in a sexually repressed society. Unfortunately Icarus Theatre’s production stops short from ever being truly engaging or shocking.

The company claims to create contemporary Theatre of the Absurd but, rather than integrate elements of the absurd within the piece as a whole, they use them sporadically. Within the first act Zachary Holton’s lighting design has houselights raised to indicate sunlight (that has the audience looking at each other in confusion) while movable pieces of set are brought on by the actors in a strange, stylised way. Adam Purnell’s industrial backdrop provides an interesting contrast with Kate Unwin’s historically accurate costumes – but it isn’...

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Latest User Review

Ruth - 1 March 2013:

Saw this 1st March 2013. Frequently couldn't hear cast, lots of over acting and can't relate it to a sexual awakening. Mood was more like a wake!...

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