We Will Hear The Angels theatre review: Channelling pain
Solemnity abounds in Magnetic North’s fragmentary response to yearning, betrayal and melancholy
It’s hard to deny the seduction of a sad song when you’re feeling low. Is it that the song’s pain provides a mirror for your mood, the catharsis of hearing your sadness articulated or just that feeling of being less alone? This production from Edinburgh-based theatre company Magnetic North sets out to explore the idea, although in the end doesn’t really land on any meaningful theories or responses. The programme conspicuously announces its inspirations (Chekhov, Hitchcock, Katherine Mansfield) as if to alert us to its seriousness. A solemn tone dominates as five performers enact disparate actions in disparate worlds, punctuated by decontextualised quotes from Uncle Vanya and anecdotes about their yearning or betrayal.
It all feels very fragmented and purposefully enigmatic, and the piece only really shows its heart when the music kicks in. Then it’s the music alone, rather than any connection with the characters, that carries the emotional load. There are some beautiful renditions of sad songs, including Mia Scott’s gorgeously wispy voice in Patsy Cline’s ‘Why Can’t He Be You?’. But it is Apphia Campbell’s luminous performance of Etta James’ ‘I’d Rather Go Blind’ that makes you truly feel the power of channelling pain through music.
We Will Hear The Angels, Summerhall, until 30 August, 4.30pm; picture: Mihaela Bodlovic.