Theatre

Women, Beware The Devil, Almeida Theatre (Rev Stan’s theatre weblog)

February 25, 2023

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Women, Beware the Devil, Almeida Theatre Feb 2023

Women, Beware The Devil on the Almeida Theatre is a tough play to pin down.

It begins within the modern-day with the ‘literal’ satan (Nathan Armarkwei-Laryea) breaking the fourth wall to lament how he is not evoked or blamed for something anymore. He additionally cheekily spoils the plot of the play.

We are then catapulted to the Seventeenth century to the house of Lady Elizabeth (Lydia Leonard) and her brother Edward (Leo Bill).

It’s a fort, actually and figuratively. For Elizabeth, it is a spot which represents household and custom but in addition someplace she has some company as an single lady.

However, the price of repairs is crippling the household funds, and Edward has no inclination to marry the wealthy and delightful Katherine (Ioanna Kimbook) that Elizabeth has lined up. Katherine comes from new cash quite than the gentry and is simply too simple for Edward – he prefers the maids.

So Elizabeth turns to Agnes (Alison Oliver), about whom rumours of witchcraft swirl. While the home’s maids stay in concern of witches and do not belief Agnes, Elizabeth sees a possibility to unravel an issue.

Agnes is reluctant to assist – she is an effective particular person – however Elizabeth would not go away her a lot selection. Her want is larger than Agnes’, in spite of everything.

Hysteria and alter within the air

The backdrop to all that is England within the grip of hysteria about witches and a rising temper of rise up and civil conflict. Change is within the air, however some wish to cling to the previous methods.

There is rather a lot occurring in Lulu Raczka’s play. On the one hand, it exposes the precarious place of ladies in Seventeenth-century society, notably ladies of decrease courses, whereas on the opposite, it exhibits ladies utilizing what powers they should get what they need – and get the higher hand.

Its feminine characters are refreshingly multi-layered and sophisticated, not simply likeable, and Raczka exams loyalty and empathy.

The play additionally highlights snobbery and the hypocrisy of sophistication, with one rule for the girl of the home and one other for Agnes.

There can also be a debate about custom and sustaining the established order. Agnes is not satisfied by the argument that the King ought to keep just because he is the King.

Contemporary parallels

Ideas of reality vs ‘true info’ additionally float round. Edward makes reference to how persons are questioning every thing, even the color of the sky. It is one in all a number of references that draw modern parallels.

But the general tone of the play is the place it’s exhausting to pin down. It has a lightweight, recent, modern really feel, it is enjoyable and cheeky, however it’s additionally darkish, generally sinister, with an fringe of horror (an eye-gouging scene was eliminated throughout rehearsals).

The second half sees a major change in circumstances in the home, a few of that are a stretch to reconcile. Everything involves a head in what seems like a chronic hysteria. There is a lot of crying and shouting, which dulls the impression.

But it definitely is not a uninteresting play; there may be lots to ponder it is simply that a few of that pondering is ‘eh?’

I’m giving it ⭐️⭐️⭐️ and a half stars.