Theatre / Bristol School of Acting
Review: Fefu and Her Friends, Tobacco Factory Theatres – ‘Visually stunning, masterfully directed and with great performances’
Angels in America playwright Tony Kushner once remarked of María Irene Fornés that “her work sits in the ear like luxurious reason”.
My first on-stage exposure to the late Cuban-American giant came yesterday evening at Bristol School of Acting’s graduating students’ production of Fefu and Her Friends at Tobacco Factory Theatres, and this inexhaustibly pithy observation has enjoyed an unbroken residence in my mind ever since.
At curtain-up, the alluring and seismic charisma with which Shelena Artman gifts us Fefu offers the impression that eyes were evolved solely to stick to this preternaturally enigmatic portrayal.
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To Cindy, Sofia Victoria brings a stylish and exuberant charm which for me, at times, carries the energy of the show. This enticing embodiment is aided by Victoria’s stunning singing voice.
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Between understandably generous sips of Bourbon, Emily Clough captures exactly the comic confusion and fear exhibited by Christina towards Fefu’s recklessness. Clough is vivacious, vibrant and perfectly cast.
Julia – around whom the play in some sense is built – is played by Aroob, who delivers one of the more impressive feats of the evening in a bed-bound monologue towards the end of the first half.
Admirers of PG Wodehouse will recognise in Heather Lambourn’s Emma a certain Madeline Bassett-esque sentimental eccentricity. In a garden scene, Lambourn’s talent assumes its full splendour.
Fefu and her Friends, Bristol School of Acting – photo: Chelsey Cliff
Paula, whose love affair forms a significant sub-plot, is embodied ably Lauren Rickards. Rickards’ zippy characterisation offers dynamism and nuance to emotionally complex scenes.
The maternal Sue is played by Paige Brightman, who brings warmth and generosity to the role – particularly in her relationship with Julia.
Cecilia, who with Paula comprises the love affair sub-plot, is brought to us by Liana Cottrill, who performs this character of intrigue with complexity, brilliance and subtlety.
Photo: Chelsey Cliff
Visually, the play is stunning. Aldo Vázquez has designed meticulously various sets with great consideration. The design is suggestive, playful and – above all – jaw-droppingly beautiful.
The appointment of Nancy Medina as Artistic Director of Bristol Old Vic was met by many I admire with jubilation. Fefu and Her Friends was my first opportunity to see Medina’s work, and she is plainly a genius.
Throughout, Medina and Vázquez’s compelling and unblinking aesthetic vision permeates the show, whilst making suitable space for Fornés’ tragic writing to blow like some great and wintry wind through the South-Bristol institution.
Fefu and Her Friends is at Tobacco Factory Theatres from October 13-15 at 7.30pm with an additional 2.30pm matinee show on October 15. Tickets are available at www.tobaccofactorytheatres.com.
Main photo: Chelsey Cliff
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