RICHARDTHESECOND by Matthew MacFadzean (Nation of Aslan/Players by Nature). See listings
Be careful what you wish for.
The ultimate curse might not just be getting your wish, but being conscious of what you’re saddled with. That’s the acid-tinged irony in richardthesecond, Matthew MacFadzean’s SummerWorks hit about a young raver whose involvement in a scientific project really puts him on the map. Again and again and again.
National Theatre School grad MacFadzean’s always been a performer with an edge (Shopping And Fucking, Treat Or Treat, Pop Song, Lord Of The Flies), and this techno-influenced show pushes the envelope with its excitingly visceral blend of live performance, film, visual effects and an original sound design.
And, yes, it does draw on Shakespeare’s tragic king, an increasingly self-aware poet who knew how to spin words charmingly but not deal effectively with the situation he created.
You’ll never look in a mirror the same way again.
