A theatre is an excellent place to be. As the lights go down you’re transported, introduced into another person’s life and story to spend time to each hear and see their story. Sometimes it could take you even additional; you would possibly sit down in a stunning studio theatre in London however moments later end up atop a mountain or sitting in a restaurant in Venice. First revealed in 1991, Bjørg Vik’s play received the Norwegian Ibsen Prize, and is now making its UK debut with a translation by Janet Garton. The Journey To Venice takes us into the…
Rating
Excellent
Full of coronary heart and heat and love, this lovely play simply transports the viewers to Venice.
A theatre is an excellent place to be. As the lights go down you’re transported, introduced into another person’s life and story to spend time to each hear and see their story. Sometimes it could take you even additional; you would possibly sit down in a stunning studio theatre in London however moments later end up atop a mountain or sitting in a restaurant in Venice.
First revealed in 1991, Bjørg Vik‘s play won the Norwegian Ibsen Prize, and is now making its UK debut with a translation by Janet Garton. The Journey To Venice takes us into the home of Edith (Annabel Leventon) and Oscar (Tim Hardy) Tellman. They have been married for decades and now in their 80s, look back together on their travel and adventures from when they were young. They recreate these journeys within their flat; climbing mountains, long train journeys, visiting Venice – travelling without moving. With the aid of their old travel footage, hiking gear and sandwiches, they return to those places and memories they hold dear. Under skilful direction from Wiebke Green, this is gorgeously presented, giving moments of sheer beauty. The love the two have for each other is never clearer than when Oscar provides the echo to Edith’s shouts into the mountains, splendidly understated and soul-stirring. We don’t want to shut our eyes to see mountains after we can see the love between them as plainly as any mountain.
It’s a placing and efficient distinction with their lives now. Together of their reminiscences, it’s climbing and mountain climbing, however within the right here and now, of their 80s and of their small flat, it is filled with the issues that include age; aches and pains and needing assist to placed on footwear. Edith carries an additional burden as she copes with Oscar’s reminiscence and cognitive loss, taking the load onto her shoulders and protecting it from him, distracting him these instances he begins to note. The sense that she too is going through her personal previous age factors to the isolation this may deliver, leaving an impression of loneliness, nervousness and even desperation.
Their travelling routine is interrupted first by the plumber, Christopher (Nathan Welsh), after which the house assist, Vivian (Charlotte Beaumont). Slowly the couple deliver the 2 intruders with them on their travels, sharing meals and wine and the sights of Venice. The 4 turn into one group, a set of pals, on an incredible journey collectively, the very fact they have been strangers simply a short while in the past quickly forgotten.
There is powerful and delicate work inside Kit Hinchcliffe’s set. The naked partitions and disorganised cabinets signify how Edith has been compelled to promote treasured possessions to pay the payments. The flat is likely to be heat and full of affection, however it is usually displaying its personal put on and tear, very similar to the couple. We are left to think about their many cats, named for well-known composers, that preserve the couple firm, however Julian Starr’s sound design retains them round and underfoot.
The Journey To Venice is charming and filled with tenderness, with a solid that makes every part really feel proper, regardless of the various obstacles Oscar and Edith face. It exhibits us one of the best of humanity with coronary heart, humour and attraction, shifting the viewers because it brings us to the mountains and Venice, and to tears. Yet once more the Finborough Theatre has proven their outstanding eye for bringing absolute gems to the UK.
Written by Bjørg Vik
Translated by Janet Garton
Directed by Wiebke Green
Sound Design by Julian Starr
Set & Costume Design by Kit Hinchcliffe
The Journey To Venice performs at Finborough Theatre till 25 March 2023. Further info and bookings might be discovered right here.