THE RESISTIBLE RISE OF ARTURO UI ****
Greene Shoots Theatre
Garage
Theatre, 11-16 Aug, 10:40am (11:55am), £7.00 (£5.00)
This is a mesmerising adaptation of Brecht's classic, performed by an impeccable cast of young performers in a venue
that embodies the spirit of the Fringe. The Resistible Rise of Arturo Ui is an
allegory set in 1920s Chicago that mimics Al Capone's reign of terror and parallels it with Hitler's rise to power in 1930s
Germany. Tim Rees as Arturo Ui, is a master of menacing noir with a perfected gangster drawl. He gives a confident and competent
performance and is supported by a slick chorus of talented individuals. The projected images from Nazi Germany that illuminate
the sides of the stage tie these two histories together to produce the chilling reminder that in the face of apathy, the horrors
from history will be repeated.
[cmw] Three Weeks 2003
THE RESISTIBLE RISE OF ARTURO UI
The world was almost
won by such an ape!
The nations put him where his kind belong.
But don't rejoice too soon at your escape –
The
womb he crawled from is still going strong.
In this production projected pictures and text link and explain the relationship between the parody
and reality in an extremely effective way. For Brecht, the Nazis were (at least at the start) merely useful (if distasteful)
tools of the Capitalists. The overall message is speak instead of gape, act instead of talk. The young cast performs with
verve and passion. They are particularly effective when they join together in dance-like routines, chanting as one. It makes
an impact.
Patrick
Harrington Counter Culture Magazine 2003
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