#moonfleece

[all--theworldsastage]

A Review of ‘Moonfleece’

We, as a nation, perhaps even as a world, love fairy tales. There is a fixation we place upon that genre, which really shapes our childhoods and perceptions of life and reality. Sometimes positively, and sometimes not. Moonfleece is a perfect example of this. With the use of story-telling, Philip Ridley presents us with a real life story. This is a specific theme carried throughout his ‘story-teller series’ in which each play tackles a specific problem and reflects on it in an innovative and creative way. In Moonfleece (professionally premiered in 2010), we are presented with an abandoned flat, clearly well past its best years. It is empty bar a few scrap pieces, and the squatter living inside of it. Brutality honest, funny and imaginative, Moonfleece is about ‘a leading member of an increasingly popular racist party, who is haunted by the memory of his dead brother.’ (Bath Spa Live website). The play unearths a family secret which has life-changing effects on Curtis and his friends. Through the medium of story-telling and fairy tales, Curtis is taken through the true events which led up to his brother’s disappearance. It is however seen as a controversial play, due to Curtis being a right-wing activist, which led to it being banned in Dudley. This play, by far, is my favourite even this year. I was enthralled from start to finish and I adored the contemporary subject matter. Perhaps my shining positive reaction is because I am an advocate for theatre which comments on social issues, but I would confidently say that if you’re a theatre-goer. If you enjoy intriguing, contemporary performance. You need to see this. Although simply set, and free from any scene changes, this show was simple in any form. There was a continuous flow as it went from start to finish, and a round of applause should be given to the performers for keeping up an excellent energy throughout. ‘Moonfleece’ was just beautifully real.

[billbowden13-blog]

Moonfleece- Phillip Ridley- My Review (spoiler alert)

I was lucky enough to see a production of Ridley’s play put on by third year drama and acting students at the University Theatre at Bath Spa. The show itself focussed on alienation of homosexuals in a dystopian future in which a far-right political party has complete control.

We as the audience were first introduced to a derelict house in which a squatter was residing and defending his ‘home’ against a group of racist, fascist bigots (the party in control). Piece by piece we found out about the rise of the party and the history of the derelict house. Every piece was linked and woven in a fine tapestry of storytelling that had the audience captivated throughout.

We learned that a member of the family that formed the foundation of the party was a homosexual who had ‘disappeared’ after deciding to embark on a trip to visit rainforests. However this was later revealed to be far more twisted and dark than one might first assume. As the stage lights in the finale of the piece, showed a UV painting covering the entirety of the set which depicted the missing family member gazing at a lake revealing that suicide was the only dignified option when faced with exile from his own family and government. It was beautifully heart wrenching with fantastic performances all round, especially the characters that narrated and stole the show with the impeccable delivery of clever innuendos regarding serious topics in the frame of an almost childlike fantasy.

I take my hat off to Phillip Ridley for taking the time out of his busy schedule to talk to audience members/students about his past, shedding light on his influences and the way in which he works. Knowing that we would get this opportunity to speak with Ridley I chose to take on one of his plays (The Pitchfork Disney) as a project with a few colleagues of mine. For the first time and hopefully not the last, I was able to ask a practitioner how he thought his work should be delivered. He told me to study his language and to make sure that I maintained dreamlike feel in the way in which scenes can flow together. The production that I saw certainly lived up to mine and Ridley’s expectations. The way in which language was delivered, the clear comedic hierarchy among characters and snappy physical choreography in key moments of the story was thought provoking and stunning to watch. I only wish I could see it again and again.

[thetheatreblogger]

Moonfleece

Hard Hitting political themes, fantastic writing, very thought provoking! excited to write this review! 

[life-is-brough-blog1]

Moonfleece - Phillip Ridley

With all honesty I didn't expect much from Phillip Ridley’s Moonfleece and never have I been so glad to be proved wrong. Written as a piece of theatre aimed specifically at young people I feared it would miss the mark with it either being to patronising and child-like, or being too preachy and way over our heads but Ridley clearly understood his audience perfectly as the play is beautifully mature and in no way condescending. The story-line contains an intricate web of political meets personal, identity, race and sexuality, truth and fairy-tale and at the heart of it a young man looking for the truth of his brothers disappearance.

Curtis, a member of a very right-wing political party, is haunted by the ghost of his brother and seeks to find out the truth of his death in his families old apartment; which is now in ruins and home to two squatters. The apartment set is the only one used and it is beautifully simplistic. Half erect walls, bare wooden frames and torn wallpaper along the back wall shows the abandonment of the apartment, but the clutter onstage and worn armchair show the presence of the squatters. One of these dwellers is revealed as knowing the fate of Curtis’ brother. He subsequently tells his story through an improvised fairy-tale and we are shown, through symbolism within his tale, what came to pass. The truth is discovered by Curtis and all involved and, to some, the ending of the play may feel unfinished; we don’t know what Curtis chooses to do with the revelations brought to light. To others this is a strength of the show, allowing us the chance to hope Curtis does what is right and just.

The play does end with UV lights coming up to reveal amongst the torn wallpaper a landscape of the fairy-tale that was told. An intricately simple play with a touching, reflecting ending. We all need more Phillip Ridley plays in our lives.

[thetheatreblogger]

Moonfleece, the Political black comedy with no fleecy lining

Moonfleece is the darkly humorous story of Curtis, the stepson of the founder of the increasingly popular yet controversial political party Avalon. However, things don’t seem right with Curtis, he claims to have recently seen the ghost of his dead brother Jason. This sets off a series of events leading him to uncover the truth that has been hidden from him, sending him into disillusionment.

I went to see Moonfleece In November at the Bath Spa University Theatre. This highly thought-provoking, gritty production got right to the heart of some very relevant political issues such as Gay rights and immigration. The characters in this play were stereotypical representatives of different classes and groups in society. These characters provided a comic relief from the tensions of the heavy themes and also provided the audience with clarity when exploring each individual theme.

However, I was less impressed with the direction in some parts if the show. For example, upon entrance into the auditorium, the character Link, an illegal immigrant, was wandering around the stage staring at everyone as they entered. The intention with this wasn’t clear and in my opinion, set the incorrect tone for the play.

The minimalistic set for this play was very interesting and reflected well the state of Curtis’ mind. The walls were not complete and the wallpaper was peeling off of the walls. This effectively portrayed the dysfunction in Curtis’ life. At the end of the play, there was a fantastic use of UV lighting that displayed, in picture format, the ending of Jason’s life.

So, to conclude, the story of Moonfleece, with its gritty, controversial, stirring intentions, dark comedy and thought-provoking themes and incredible technical aspects, is by far one of the best shows I have seen in the last year. A four star recommended play.