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ED2012 3/5 Reviews ED2012 Theatre Reviews
Satan’s Playground (Sacred And Profane)
By Thom May | Published on Sunday 12 August 2012
Two actors perform a story about a Jewish scholar who encourages his wife to adultery, using a bit of ‘interpretive’ reading of the Talmud as justification for what seem to be self-destructive urges. This adaptation of a story by a Polish-born, Jewish-American author is unusual, but it has charm. The acting is assured, the chants and music are striking, and the use of audio effects, including audio looping, is impressive but also surprisingly unobtrusive. What the logic is behind creating such a well-formed piece about the devil’s influence in 19th century Poland is a little difficult to gather, but the piece is highly commendable and engaging nonetheless. It may not be a play for our times but it’s certainly good theatre.
Underbelly Cowgate, 2-26 Aug, 2.20pm
tw rating 3/5 | [Thom May]