Theatre / Reviews
Review: Emilia by Bristol Old Vic Theatre School, Circomedia – ‘A show of swaggering invention, charm and style’
That poetry is a radical and revolutionary medium is a truism approaching cliché, but not every page of its rich history knows the light of the sun.
Emilia Bassano is one such strangely neglected giant of history. Born some 200 years before Mary Wollstonecraft, at the age of 42, Emilia became the first woman to have her poetry published in England.
Bristol Old Vic Theatre School’s production of Morgan Lloyd Malcolm’s triple Olivier Award-winning play, Emilia, is playing at Circomedia for a week-long run. The show is a triumph.
is needed now More than ever
Emilia is played at three different stages of her life by three different cast members. Gaia Ashwood brings us Emilia as a young woman, and embodies so adroitly the searching and longing and agony of youth.
In Assa Kanouté we see Emilia beginning to step into her rightful place as a celebrated poet, performed again with enormous skill.
By the time Sumāh Ebelé is occupying the role, Emilia is armed with the conviction and confidence to match her fluency and flare. Ebelé’s poise is pitched perfectly for this Emilia.
The entire cast, in truth, are phenomenal. And the show sounds sensational too; John O’Hara’s composition is tasteful and novel.
The acclaimed Sally Cookson directs, and as a result, the production is tremendously stylish. Nobody ever got rich betting on a Cookson show being one centimetre short of sublime.
BOVTS maintains a high bar for theatre in our city. This swaggering show boasts talent, originality and charm.
Emilia is at St Paul’s Church (Circomedia) until February 25 at 7.30pm, with additional 2pm matinee shows on Thursday and Saturday. Tickets are available from www.circomedia.com.
All photos: Craig Fuller
Read more: Review: Catastrophe Bay, Bristol Old Vic Theatre School – ‘A striking, rip-roaring tale’
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