The Other Palace is a new(ish) venue in London, having used to be St James' Theatre, with an aim to become a place where new pieces of musical theatre can be "refined". This results in productions such as La Strada, far from the expected, far from the ordinary, so different from the way modern audiences think of 'musical theatre'.
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Based on the Oscar winning 1954 film by Federico Fellini, La Strada is set in post Second World War Italy a time where people were starving and the landscape was barren. This almost ghostliness of the original setting is shown in the haunting white faces of the cast which also conjure the image of clowns in the circus.
Young Gelsomina is sold to strongman Zampano by her mother who is desperate for any money that she can get, to feed her children. Zampano and Gelsomina live a life on the road until they join the circus. When they encounter an old acquaintance of Zampano things get difficult as Gelsomina finds she is torn between the kind fool and the abusive Zampano. Gelsomina is played with an open sadness by Audrey Brisson that is enchanting, especially when accompanied by her beautiful choral singing. |
The way the story is told seems in a way quite childlike. You barely have to work out anything, most of the content is handed to you in a simple way. The childish quality is shown throughout as Gelsomina starts by playing with the sand and at some points runs around the stage making "woosh" noises. This completely juxtaposes with the content of the show where complicated adult themes are explored. The contrast between adult and child also helps to bring to the fore the idea that Gelsomina is an "innocent in a brutal world". The childish quality of the production gives the audience Gelsomina's eyes.
The musical is a feast of music and movement. Perhaps not the music that we would expect in a musical but music nonetheless! There are three main musicians and the actors double up as musicians playing ukuleles, cellos, clarinets and accordions to name but a few, used in all sorts of ways to create a variety of different atmospheres. Using their bodies we experience a rain storm of finger clicks, breath, creating crashing waves and the most remarkable bird song which was in fact a human whistle! |
The use of movement is breath taking and for me is what sets this musical apart from others. There is a wonderful tightrope sequence and the bar is created superbly, a hustling bustling whirlwind of noise and movement that poor Gelsomina gets lost in. Zampano's motorbike was created by 3 wheels a few crates and a hand held headlight.
This musical is so different, you think you know where it will take you and yet you go somewhere you didn't know existed. |
Admittedly this musical is not for everyone. If its big tunes that you're after then I suggest you pass on this one. But if you're ready to see something different, willing to step off the main road of musical theatre, then dive in!
Definitely for the ages of 12 and above.
Definitely for the ages of 12 and above.
You can get good tickets for £15 right at the front of the stage. On the left of the stage the seats are great and you can see everything because the stage is not raised. On the right there is a telegraph pole that restricts the view of the £15 seats a bit. I think that most of the seats in this theatre for this production are really good!