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The Review - THEATRE by KATY ORKISZ
Published: 2 August 2007

God as theatre director

THE GREAT THEARE OF THE WORLD
Arcola Theatre

DIRECTED by the Royal Court’s William Gaskill, The Great Theatre of the World is a parable of morality and mortality, by 17th-century Spanish playwright Calderon de Barco.
The quirky home-made set, around which the audience face each other, suggests it will be an avant garde experimental take on the play.
However, do not be fooled by the presence of an ageing Guru as the Director-God (Madhav Sharma) and the dancing skeletons playing bongos. Mitchell retains the original message of the play with its staunch conservative message.
The Director-God casts roles unhindered and sits back to review the living actors. The luckiest receive the charmed roles of King and Rich Man, while others are destined to play the roles of Beggar and Peasant. An exploration of the free will of man, it ends predictably: Rich Man is banished to hell for his greed, while the beggar dines with God in heaven.
Acoustic folk music is played well by Joseph Attenborough, replacing the original Corpus Christie processions. This gives a sound somewhere between the Wicker Man soundtrack and gospel church music – bizarre but worth hearing.
It is quite a novelty to see a religious parable played in one of the most hedonistic parts of London, but the overall allegory seems a little simplistic for today’s more jaded theatre goers.
In terms of entertainment, there are some good performances (especially from Wunmi Mosaku and Kristian Dawson as World and Peasant) and if you’re looking for colourful costumes and musical entertainment rivalling the West End, this is a treat.

Until August 18 - 020 7503 16 46

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