“So much more could be said about this stunning show but it is best you discover all the jewel-like moments yourself. It is a must see. I doubt you will see anything better for a long time. See It”
5 Vodka Shots
Human sacrifice is an uncomfortable topic and one which, in our contemporary world, we congratulate ourselves on having abolished. But have we – or does it simply manifest in other ways? Historically, invariably, those ordaining the sacrifices were social elites, using violence as a mechanism to keep the lower orders in line; instilling fear and enforcing acceptance of the status quo. Now the social elites keep the lower orders in line economically, constantly cutting welfare support and services and denying hope.
This is at the core of Gary Owen’s reworking of the classic Greek myth of Iphigenia, first theatrically presented by Euripides as Iphigenia in Aulis in 405BC. Effie, our tragic heroine, lives in Cardiff. A clever placement as Owen is able to draw on both the original poetry of Euripides and the musicality of Welsh speech. Effie is, by her own challenging declaration, a “stupid slag. Nasty skank”. Angry words vomit from her mouth as she violently abuses herself, the people in her life and the audience. But Effie, and her story are so much more. The journey is twisted with surprises but always believable. Every image is carefully placed (Effie zeros in “like a cruise missile” on Lee, who turns out to be a returned soldier damaged by an IED). Every mood is evocatively expressed. Every emotion is delicately explored until, at the end, Effie has indeed become the classically tragic heroine.
In lesser hands, this worthy script could have simply become one of those angry monologues which meaninglessly assault audiences. But Director Lucy Clements and actor Meg Clarke together give us an insightful, fluid, layered, compelling and stunning performance. Confronted by Effie and her celebration of a life of alcohol and drugs, she is that “chav” girl you avoid. Do not make assumptions. Like her namesake, this is a heroine who goes thoughtfully, intelligently and calmly to her sacrifice for the sake of the greater good.
An urban, hard unyielding set functions variously through the play but most evocatively as an altar upon which Effie lies as an offering to the gods of politics, war and capitalism. There is a slew of production personnel but the designers have excelled themselves. Angela Doherty (production design), Chrysoulla Markoulli (composer and sound) and Jack Saltmiras/James Smithers (lighting) deliver a sharply focused yet textured production for Clarke to play in. Set, lighting and sound call forth images from the Iphigenia of thousands of years ago whilst effortlessly placing Effie in the here and now. New Ghosts may be a small, emerging theatre company but their commitment to excellent production values augurs well for future shows.
So much more could be said about this stunning show but it is best you discover all the jewel-like moments yourself. It is a must see. I doubt you will see anything better for a long time.
Kate Stratford, Theatre Now
Photography: Clare Hawley 
Photography: Clare Hawley
12 – 28 November 2020
Venue: Flight Path Theatre
At Flight Path Theatre 12 – 21 Nov 2020
Tues – Sat 7:30pm, Sun 5pm
Previews: 12th, 13th November
Opening night: Sat 14th November
Online 17 – 28 Nov 2020
Mon – Sun: 7.30pm
Online Single $15
Online Household $20
General Admission $30
Preview $20
Artist Donation Tickets $30
Artist Donation Tickets $40
Artist Donation Tickets $50
Artist Donation Tickets $100
