NOSFERATU AT THE JUNCTION
Nosferatu is a bold production. The atmosphere is mesmeric. Within the gaunt space of The Junction2 the theatre company create a performance to re-create the ancient story of Nosferatu. It is dark and stays dramatically shadowy as the chilling tale unravels .But there is nothing familiar about this mystery. Be ready for the unexpected.
It begins in an ordinary small town -but it is clear from the outset no word will be be spoken by the already haunted inhabitants. This play is all mimed. But if you imagine this might be a silent space, it is not. Husband and wife , Hutter and Ellen are a loving couple who separate as Hutter is tempted to take a mysterious voyage to an unknown destination.
It is of course the castle of Count Orlok (more commonly thought of as Dracula – here played by an all too convincing Matt Wilkinson) With the help of some silent-movie style prompts eerily projected above the stage, we follow his ill- fated trip. Trapped by his nasty host in the human shaped castle, Hutter fights off terrifying night time assaults and eventually appears to escape back to the ship he embarked from. Count Orlok is on board, in his coffin, and arrives in Hutter’s home to spread plague and disaster. Only the heroism of Ellen, a wonderful role from Emma Harpley as a sacrificial maiden/wife, are they saved. Hutter, energetic and determined as played by Christian Burton survives. I think.
The magnificent manifestation of the entire action happens with the magical score of composer Geoff Page. His accomplished stirring music renders the a Nosferatu we have never known. Silent theatre kept coming to mind – but the single piano is now a delightful fresh experience. To sustain a work of this breadth looked daunting but Amy Craven on viola, told me it was similar in terms of concentration to a symphony and Sarah Kwan endorsed the idea of a parallel world of music. Both huge admirers of Geoff Page. The ensemble seemed peaceful but fulsome - Hugh Molloy on cello gave an exceptional performance of as did the double bass drama of Elaine Taylor Kate and Lizzie Molloy on Flute and Oboe added that depth we love in those disparate tones – whilst the skill of clarinettist Stephanie Reeve substituted for a human narrator.
The esteemed Corkscrew Company already have a high-end reputation for original drama. In Nosferatu, Director Lesley Ford has gone the exciting extra mile into experiment and originality. On at Juncton2 for the rest of the week, do not miss the chance to experience this outrageously daring production – a blend of past and future, atmosphere: it lasts only an hour, but it is a memorable 60 minutes of emotional adventure – and sensual exploration.
