ED2016 5/5 Reviews ED2016 Theatre Reviews

Dead Awaken (CalArts Festival Theater)

By Raphael Highgate-Betts | Published on Wednesday 24 August 2016

A re-imagining of Henrik Ibsen’s final play, ‘Dead Awaken’ is a loud, beautiful concert drama from The Californian Institute of the Arts. It focuses on The Artist, whose success has put a strain on his existence, as he struggles with the life he had and the life he thinks he wants. Looking at our animalistic qualities, the visuals are raw and compelling. The original music, composed by director Brian Carbine and lead actor Preston Butler III, is incredible, as the four performers tear through the intricate, poetic language accompanied by blasting music. An elusive but engaging tale, ‘Dead Awaken’ is a passionate and beautiful mash up of hip hop, neon-soul and equally beautiful, tender prose. A must see.

Venue 13, until 27 Aug.
tw rating 5/5 | [Bethan Highgate-Betts]