Evangeline (Or, The Grief That Does Not Speak Whispers The O’erfrought Heart And Bids It Break) ~ Adelaide Fringe 2019 Review

[CIRCUS AND PHYSICAL THEATRE/DANCE THEATRE ~ SA PREMIERE ~ ACT] The Mill – The Breakout, Tue 26 Feb. Your expectations for this show, labelled as Circus and Physical Theatre/Dance Theatre – are probably wrong! I’m going to try not to go into too many of the details, because this is an experience, description will not measure up. Evangeline a fascinating presentation of insight into grief, presented as a kind of dance and interactive performance, but one unlike anything I have ever seen or experienced. If you are working with healing, health or well-being, or have experience, first, second or third hand of grief – then this show is likely to resonate strongly with you. There are five Evangelines and they are all telling the same story, but from their own perspective, with their own characters shining through the process. This show suits the small, intimate venue of The Breakout to a tee. The costumes of our Evangelines are all the same, in red and their make-up etc. is all similar, but not quite identical. The show has three main sections; the first is a kind of dance expression of overwhelming grief, the second is a transition toward the third, which includes audience interaction, as part of the healing process – and we’ve all been asked/instructed to participate and interact. It’s one of those shows that will continue to resonate in your mind for a long time to come, coming out of the blue, conforming to no genres or previous patterns, but demanding your attention, your empathy and your care. Evangeline is a whole group experience, for the audience and for the performers, but also has incredibly strong individual experiences, in the differences of the effects of grief on the performers and on the audience and their interactions with the performers. You really do owe it to yourself to have this experience. 4.5 stars Clayton Werner Evangeline continues at The Mill – The Breakout, at various times, until Sat 2 Mar. Book at FringeTIX on 1300 621 255 or adelaidefringe.com.au. Click HERE to purchase your tickets. #ADLfringe