The Art of Illusion - Hampstead Downstairs
Dec 23, 2022 9:26:36 GMT
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joem, tmesis, and 2 more like this
Post by kate8 on Dec 23, 2022 9:26:36 GMT
This is a translation of a successful French play and was different from anything I’ve seen before. It reminded me of films like Cinema Paradiso in that it’s quite a nostalgic play about the love of entertainment, performing, illusions/magic, theatre and cinema. It’s told through two figures in French entertainment history, a magician and a film pioneer, who owned (at different times)the same Paris theatre. There is also a 1984 strand that draws the other two strands together and adds a love story.
It’s still previewing and was a bit rough around the edges. It must have been a difficult play to rehearse, as the actors are playing multiple roles, rarely off stage, switch between three stories, and do various conjouring tricks as well as their roles. I know nothing about how magic tricks work, so was easily impressed by that aspect, and the cast were all good and clearly loving their jobs.
I’d have liked to see it later in the run when it will no doubt be slicker, but it was an enjoyable feel-good show about an interesting subject. I wish we got to see more contemporary European plays in translation.
It’s still previewing and was a bit rough around the edges. It must have been a difficult play to rehearse, as the actors are playing multiple roles, rarely off stage, switch between three stories, and do various conjouring tricks as well as their roles. I know nothing about how magic tricks work, so was easily impressed by that aspect, and the cast were all good and clearly loving their jobs.
I’d have liked to see it later in the run when it will no doubt be slicker, but it was an enjoyable feel-good show about an interesting subject. I wish we got to see more contemporary European plays in translation.
