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GYPT Show Reviews
| Review of Gilgamesh |
| By Lesley Flynn – Abergavenny Free Press 2nd August 2006 |
| On 02nd August 2006 |
| Gilgamesh Abergavenny Castle Conflict went on in the Middle East almost 5,000 years ago, in this story which originated in Old Babylon, but was based on legends from older Sumerian sources about a real King of Oruk. Tired of his behaviour – raping the women and placing young people in danger – the council of elders ask for someone equal in strength to Gilgamesh, and along comes Enkidu who had lived among the wild animals. Hywel Vaughan was majestic as the king, and Matthew Watkins played the wild and woolly Enkidu with great conviction in Gwent Young People’s Theatre interpretation of the story which is the subject of the world’s oldest book. Any production by GYPT is always guaranteed to bring rave reviews, for their attention to detail and their quest for noting less than perfection ensures the highest praise from a rapt audience. The company’s use of narrators – in this case it was the entire cast for much of the time – ensured everyone understands the story line, making lesser known works like this adaptation by Farhana Sheikh far more enjoyable. They used the ruined walls of Abergavenny castle, and the whole of the castle grounds, in this promenade production which demonstrated designer Bettina Reeves’ considerable artistic skill by the clever use of puppets, dance and ritual. The simplicity of the props only added to a truly spectacular show which left the audience wanting more of these truly talented thespians. There were memorable performances by Bethan Witcomb, Rosie Powell, Roby Taylor, Louise Brown, Sophie Forbes-Nash, Bethan Haycock, Sophie Morgan and Jenny Johnson, but the entire cast deserves an award for superb teamwork. Lesley Flynn – Abergavenny Free Press 2nd August 2006 |