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Jerusalem, Jerusalem
Verdict: Randy charismatic under the glass
Edinburgh - Augustine's - August 03
People often call the charismatically religious nutters - but that doesn't mean it's not true. From Jim 'Jonestown' Jones to Waco in America, from Rasputin to Gurdjieff in Europe, charismatics have sometimes turned out to be murderers, sometimes harmless. Jerusalem Jerusalem looks at James K Baxter, a New Zealand cult leader who died in 1972 (and therefore isn't around to sue).
'They say it is better to break a rotten egg in the creek to catch an egg. I am that egg', says Baxter. His commune, founded on idealism and located in the New Zealand countryside, is empty now - and Baxter's nearly dead. As he prays in the deserted chapel, he imagines he's visited - mainly by people he's known. They're generally critical.
Baxter comes in for more flack from a Greek chorus - in this case a stunning trio of New Zealanders, glorious performers - who elegantly chant, dance, sing and recite unfavourable comment to Baxter.
In the first of two acts, the visitors and chorus are used to tell highlights of Baxter's story. In the second act, confession to a priest, and a different device - initially a surprise - are used to tell more of the story, offer more critical comment to poor old Baxter, and bring about a conclusion. He's already admitted to self-flagellation, but with enemies like these, the last thing he needs is to take a rod to his own back.
Ambiguous lives often make interesting stories, and writer Mike Riddell has put together an unusual piece of theatre with a remarkable cast. Patrick Davies puts in a marathon performance as the troubled guru. Portrayal of a charismatic needs, inevitable, charisma - and Patrick Davies has it in spades. Clare Adams, Keri Hunter and Trenamarie Nathan are a gifted and formidable Chorus. Their thrilling performance and delightful voices pack a strong dramatic punch, punctuating the play with a strand of haunting beauty.
Gregory McCormick's an excellently slimy academic, once a campus colleage of Baxter. Andrew Morrison a tabloid hack with just the right amount of smug moral superiority. Emily Duncan's moving as Baxter's ex-lover. Brian Kilkelly's an entertaining (and dead) old lush.
Michael Hill plays a mild-mannered and patient priest (Baxter was apparently a catholic). Andy Cook gives a convincing performance as a smug accuser. Rosemary Riddell delivers a fine middle-aged woman with a secret. Anna Riddell's a lively trouble-stirrer. Matt Halliday stylishly provides his own measure of criticism.
Rosemary Riddell directs the complex structure of the play with a cool eye for balance and pace. It's sensually lit, with excellent sound - both by technical manager Pete K. There's an effective minimalist set by Iain Higgins. Mike Riddell produces a script that presents a strong focused view of New Zealand's most remarkable poet and cult leader. Hero or a bit naughty? Opinion in New Zealand's mixed, with a number of celebrities approving Baxter, at least posthumously. Mike Riddell presents a forceful exposé that allows members of the audience to decide for themselves.
Cast Credits (alpha order): Clare Adams (Chorus), Andy Cook (First Puritan), Patrick Davies (James K Baxter), Emily Duncan (Ex Lover, Matt Halliday (Fourth Puritan), Michael Hill (Priest), Keri Hunter (Chorus), Brian Kilkelly (Drunk), Gregory McCormick (Academic), Andrew Morrison (Tabloid Reporter), Trenamarie Nathan (Chorus), Anna Riddell (Third Puritan), Rosemary Riddell (Second Puritan).
Company Credits HJ Kilkelly - Stage and Production Manager. Pete K - Technical, Lighting, Video. Mike Riddell - Stage Hand. Iain Higgins - Set Construction. Playwright - Mike Riddell. Director - Rosemary Riddell.
END
John Park
reviewed Friday 8 August 03 / Edinburgh / Augustine's
Fringe Report (c) Fringe Report 2002-2009
