THEATRE

Undoubtedly you’ve heard the rumours of a six-hour show at this year’s Fringe, and here it is – Hotel Medea, a Brazilian/UK collaboration inspired by the myth of the murderous sorcerer Medea. Lasting from midnight till dawn, this production has its moments however fails to maintain them.

One could not help but think that the novelty of an overnight performance was what fueled this production, with consideration of content coming second. Luckily the opportunity to pay a reduced price for a ticket giving access to the first part of the evening is available and this is something I would defiantly recommend, as here lies the strongest and most engaging moments of the evening. Relaying the story of Jason’s taking of the Golden Fleece this initial segment will be sure to get you sweaty, as audience members are choreographed dance moves to supplement elements of the plot. Admittedly skeptical reading the blurb ‘with live DJ’ the soundtrack for the opening section actually turned out to be my highlight of the night, a merging of pounding tribalistic beats and contemporary samples. Spatial decisions and choices regarding costume recalled at times the work of filmmaker Derek Jarman, and the focus and energy of the actors was impressive and successful in ensuring the interaction and engagement of the mostly young-adult audience members.

Unfortunately, despite the constant interactive relationship with the audience, the impact and quality of the company’s interpretation was not sustained for the following two segments of the production, this not solely due to the inevitable tiredness of lasting the early hours. For all the epic and magical details of the original tale relayed effectively in part I, the ensuing two parts failed to match this, containing half hearted choreography, a lacking employment of video and media devices and various overworked motifs and ideas.

With the initial part of the evening worthy of a full star rating, forget the full experience. Book for Part I to save disappointment and a reversed body clock.