Yuri
August
012
Chapter
Stwdio
Absolutely
bonkers and completely madcap Yuri
seems to take place in fantasy world where showers spout glitter and it’s perfectly
acceptable to abduct a child from Lidl.
August 012
have been presenting ambitions and unusual work in Cardiff for the past few
years and are guaranteed to produce a daring and enjoyable show. Although
always pushing boundaries director Mathilde Lopez’s work often feels somehow
unfinished, as if the physical production doesn’t quite represent her ambitious
vision. But this time Lopez has struck gold - Yuri is fully realised and it is glorious!
 |
| Ceri Murphy and Carys Eleri revel in the surreal humour |
The onstage
trio of Carys Eleri (Adele/ Angharad), Ceri Murphy (Patrick) and Guto Wynne
Davies (Yuri) work so well together to create the surreal yet believable world
of play that they bring you with them, smiling amid the chaos. You become
completely involved with the moral predicament Adele and Patrick find
themselves in, wanting there to be a good outcome for all.
Dafydd James
took on the formidable task of adapting Fabrice Melquiot’s absurd comedy to
make it feel as if it is very much a play about Wales and what a good job he
has done. It is presented in both Welsh and English versions, having surtitles
in the other language for each performance. As someone with only a very basic
grasp of Welsh I was still able to fully enjoy the Welsh language version of
the show and would urge everyone to go and see a great example of how to make
Welsh language theatre understandable for all in innovative and fun ways. Special
mention should go to assistant director Elgan Rhys for ensuring continuity between
the Welsh and English versions of the show.
 |
| Surtitles are integral to the design of the production rather than an afterthought |
Although
wonderfully chaotic and seemingly disconnected from reality Yuri discusses some very serious issues –
such as failing fertility and its implications on fragile masculinity – with surprising
sensitivity. Its exploration of national identity also feels very poignant in
our world of mass displacement of refugees and the global discussion
surrounding aid. Yuri is proof that
serous issues don’t have to be presented with po-faced sterility, sometimes laughter
really is the best medicine.
I urge you to
see this intelligent and hilarious production that is completely leading the
way for experimental and visually bold theatre making in South Wales.
Get tickets
from www.chapter.org/yuri
Thursday 15th
October 8pm, English, BSL Interpreted Performance
Friday 16th
October 8pm, Welsh
Saturday 17th
October 2pm, English and 8pm, Welsh
£12/£10 (To
see performances in both languages, please contact our box office directly on
029 2030 4400 for a special price of £20/£16)
Recommended
for 18+ (nudity and strong language)
