ED2013 3/5 Reviews ED2013 Theatre Reviews

The Scarlet Letter And Other Betrayals (Livewire Theatre)

By | Published on Monday 19 August 2013

This energetic production offers a spirited reconstruction of puritanical 17th century Salem. Opening with the pillorying of an adulteress, the play gradually reveals the accusers to be the ones laden with secret sins and hypocrisy, and highlights latter-day misogyny and racism. The plot centres around three independent-minded women who defy the norms of their society and are persecuted for it, with rumors of witchcraft abounding. Fortunately, the play has a feel-good feminist ending, with the deaths of most of the male characters (hooray!). Although there are a few problems, such as black and white characterisation, melodramatic acting, and some soppy sentimentalism, this action-packed play remains spellbinding for the full hour and a half.

theSpace @ Surgeons Hall, until 17 Aug, 11.15am.
tw rating 3/5 | [Isobel Steer]



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