Brazil x 2 at Old Red Lion Theatre

Brazil x 2 at Old Red Lion Theatre

24 August, 2009
by: Gemma Bergomi

Alter Ego celebrates Brazilian theatre with Brazil x2 at the Old Red Lion, with two of the finest examples of international new writing, uniting themes of passion, rebellion, society and money. The double-bill includes the UK Premiere of José Vicente's The Assault, and The Last Days of Gilda by Rodrigo de Roure, both directed by Victor Esses.

Set in São Paulo 1969, The Assault follows a young banker named Victor who stays late one night after work and begins speaking to Hugo the cleaner. As Victor's passions get the better of him he ends up holding Hugo hostage and what follows is the break down of the class barriers as each character is forced to share their most intimate secrets. 

An exploration of homophobia, loneliness and working life The Assault is mostly rather well written. Victor's despondency at his life, devoid of friends and family, is pitiable. Likewise, the story of a colleague's 'life-changing' advice being nothing more than to be well organised is a sad reminder of how consuming work can be as well as a startling glimpse at what Victor is heading towards. 

Sadly, the strength found in the writing is hindered by the performance. As Victor, Steven Farah plays the man driven insane by his job well, whereas Jade Willis as Hugo is neither threatening nor endearing. Adequate as the silent janitor, his performance is shabby when he needs to show true emotion, and at various points he is a little wooden. 

The Last Days of Gilda on the other hand, a recent success at the Arcola Studio 2 earlier this year, boasts a superb performance by Gaёl Le Cornec. Set in the Brazilian favelas, the show homes in on a poverty-ridden barrio home, with the sweltering heat of the upstairs room at the Old Red Lion Theatre brings you that little bit closer to Brazilian life!

The one woman show depicts Gilda, who lives alone keeping pigs and chickens. Instantly the setting seems more Brazilian than its counterpart The Assault. Whilst the first show could be any office in any part of the world, The Last Days of Gilda take place in a household unlike any found in England, providing a glimpse of a world that's far more intriguing than that presented in The Assault. 

Gaёl Le Cornec as Gilda, as mentioned, is superb. She prances about the room teasing the guys and gossiping with the women, and fashioning a comic story from her everyday life. Her joviality is charming, but short-lived as she gradually falls victim to various local gossips, physical abuse, poverty and seclusion. In the end we are left as witnesses of the demise of a promising young woman. 

Overall, Brazil x2 is a mixed bag. Out of the two performances, The Last Days of Gilda is by far the one to go and see. A superb blend of comedy and realism it is not so much life-changing, but a hugely engaging piece of theatre. It is easy to see why the show has had such success already.

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Gemma Bergomi