Log in to My Time Out for your personalised guide to what's on in London. It's fast, easy and FREE!

Studio III: More Light

This event has now finished Until May 30 2009

Theatre: Off-West End

Last chance
© James Davies

Time Out says Rate it

Bryony Lavery's play presents the story of the first emperor of China, Qin Shi Huang, from the viewpoint of the seven concubines entombed alive with him in his underground necropolis. 'We have always eaten royally' deadpans one of the women, and soon enough they're all whipping chopsticks out of their hair and snapping off the emperor's limbs as if they were chicken wings. Otherwise Catrina Lear's staging is heavy on red lanterns and oriental robes, and skimpy on wit and magic. It courts a kind of sheer silliness: the concubines, who glory in names such as Playful Kitten and Moist Moss, all walk on their tippy toes like barbie dolls. Lavery takes the women's part with zest, but as feminist reworkings of history go, there's not much to chew on here.

Details

Transport Dalston Kingsland

Telephone

020 7503 1646

http://www.arcolatheatre.com

Share your thoughts

  • or log in into My Time Out
  • *
  • *
  • Min 1 star. Zero stars will be treated as unrated.
* Mandatory fields for leaving a comment