Glasgow’s Company of Wolves brought The Bacchae to the Edinburgh Fringe this year as a solo show written and performed by Ewan Downie. His version of the show was a new work, but it is based on the classical play of Euripides by the same name.
The Bacchae is a story of madness set in the times of Ancient Greece. Dionysus, who is the god of madness, wine, transformation and religious ecstasy arrives in Thebes, were he grew up. The god is not greeted with the reception that has been anticipated. But instead the King and his mother throw him in jail. Dionysus responds by using his powers to drive the women and King of Thebes mad, luring them into his hedonistic cult.
When talking about the play in a promotion video, Downie discussed how the desperation that loneliness can bring is explored. And how that manifests in the decision of the characters – especially Dionysus.
The show opens with ancient song, which sets the scene of the play. The song then gives way to monologue – seemingly in an address to Dionysus.
The backdrop is black, with lightning as its main feature. Which adds to the atmosphere by changing colour with the mood. At times of climax and importance, a buzzing sound is played through the speaker. Minimal props were used, but when they were it was effective.
At times the voice of narration was unclear, as Downie frequently switched between several characters.
As the play drew towards the end, and the characters madness grew, the performance became increasingly disconcerting. The backdrop grew oppressive, the smoke machine added to the haziness, and the ancient song was droning.
Their performance at the Fringe has not been the The Bacchae’s debut. It was first staged by Company of Wolves in September 2023 and has previously played at two locations.
Written in 400 BC, Euripides original work has been performed countless times. Downie’s performance is noticeably stripped back. Euripides’s play does lend itself to a larger cast, and an exploration of group madness. As a work that has been restaged many a time, it is unclear what it is exactly that this production had to add.
Featured Image Credit : Company Wolves on Instagram
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