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The Epic of Gilgamesh is among the oldest tales on the planet: it was etched into clay tablets over 3,500 years in the past in Mesopotamia. The British Museum holds a clay-baked pill, found in Northern Iraq and first translated in 1874, which tells the Flood Story; part of this epic. So what higher place for storyteller (and inventive director of The Crick Crack Club) Ben Haggarty to hitch with proficient multi-instrumentalist Jonah Brody and take us again millennia to listen to the story of Gilgamesh, king of Uruk? There is not any skimping right here. Haggarty and Brody start on the…
Rating
Excellent
One of the oldest tales on the planet informed with immense expertise, vitality and enthusiasm.
The Epic of Gilgamesh is among the oldest tales on the planet: it was etched into clay tablets over 3,500 years in the past in Mesopotamia. The British Museum holds a clay-baked pill, found in Northern Iraq and first translated in 1874, which tells the Flood Story; part of this epic. So what higher place for storyteller (and inventive director of The Crick Crack Club) Ben Haggarty to hitch with proficient multi-instrumentalist Jonah Brody and take us again millennia to listen to the story of Gilgamesh, king of Uruk?
There is not any skimping right here. Haggarty and Brody start at the start when there was nothing – no factor. Then come the gods, after which come the world, after which, finally, we people and Gilgamesh. Haggartyis consistently transferring, his physique part of the storytelling. He reveals us above and under and left and proper; he strikes throughout the stage and each gesture is in service of the narrative, with some clear further relish as gestures intensify the often adult-themed sections of the story. He builds a world, a lot because the gods he tells us of constructed, piece by piece, till we attain the start of Gilgamesh.
We quickly study that Gilgamesh will not be an excellent king, so the gods intervene to create his shadow, Enkidu. Yet, the 2 change into agency associates, brothers even. Together they undertake a journey, additional than anybody has travelled earlier than, in search of wooden to construct assets to save lots of the town and folks of Uruk. Along the way in which, they slaughter gods and construct a life-saving wall. Then, after Enkidu dies, Gilgamesh crosses harmful seas searching for immortality, however as a substitute learns what is sweet in life. Some of this may sound acquainted; a hero’s journey, just like one we’d see in motion pictures regularly. But this was the primary story, written in clay millennia in the past. Haggarty brings not simply the story to life, however every character; complete conversations between them play out for us on stage with easy twists of his physique.
Brody largely accompanies Haggarty, including pleasant psychedelic music (I counted no less than six devices used) and occasional results all through. An actual further stage of vitality is added to the efficiency when the 2 performers meet twice, as soon as each drumming and with Brody chanting, as they inform us of a celebration. It felt like a beautiful pure coming collectively of two storytellers. I’d have cherished to have just a little extra of this.
The afternoon is fabulous however it’s lengthy. This led to some added comedy with giant laughs as, with immaculately excellent timing, Haggarty was interrupted in mid circulate. Just as he mentioned “Utnapishtim says” the British Museum tannoy got here on to announce the museum was closing. Haggarty waited for this to complete, then deadpanned that Utnapishtim didn’t say that, earlier than carrying on.
Crick Crack Club will return to the British Museum in 2023 with their Epic Sundays collection. It’s a gorgeous location to spend an exciting afternoon transported again in time by story and music. Crick Crack Club makes it look easy. Marvellous work.
Gilgamesh performs at British Museum for one efficiency solely. Check Crick Crack Club’s web site right here for particulars of different reveals.