Mad Forest at the BAC

Mad Forest at the BAC

23 July, 2009
by: Gemma Bergomi

Caryl Churchill's Mad Forest, Winner of the JMK Award 2009 thanks to director Caroline Steinbeis, arrives at the BAC, with high expectations around it. Centered on the Romanian Revolution of 1989 and the fall of Communist leader Nicolae Ceauşescu, this prodigious play has me expecting amazing things. To an extent, I'm satisfied. Engrossed by some scenes, I'm simultaneously disappointed by others: here is why.

Split into three sections; 'Florina's Wedding', 'December' and 'Lucia's wedding', Mad Forest is structurally varied, flowing from communist rule to the days of the revolution and then on to post-revolution Romania. Naturally some sections are stronger than others, but on the whole despite being so different they work as a unified force.

Seated comfortably and mentally prepared for an emotional onslaught, the first part bombards you with a picture of a communist regime. Following a small family drenched in poverty, you are exposed to the hypocrisy of this regime. Aggravating though it is, you are comforted by the certain knowledge of a coming change. Decently done, this part is nonetheless sluggish: the typical picture of communism offers very little, and it is only thanks to the inclusion of the third part that this section is able to offer anything substantial. 

With a completely different set of characters the second part, 'December', is undoubtedly the heart of the play, surviving as an outstanding record of revolutionary activity. Whilst I found the previous section lacks emotional connection, 'December' has me absorbed. Churchill's research interviewing numerous people involved in the revolution shortly after its occurrence results in a narrative with many gaps but in a sense this strengthens the performance: their uncertainty becomes your own, as you are never given a clear set of events. 

If it wasn't for 'Lucia's wedding', the final part of Mad Forest, then 'December' would have overshadowed the entire show. Returning to the characters of the first section after Romanian liberation, Mad Forest becomes funnier, especially with the banter between a dog and vampire. It is also occasionally horrifying. This section signals that the revolution is not about not bravery, nor does it inspire clarity, but rather results in overwhelming disarray. In fact the only violence we are witness to occurs at this point, showing that revolution is no longer the unified construction it previously seemed. 

A sporadically gripping piece of theatre, Mad Forest is full of clever touches and powerfully rendered, with a commendable cast. Fundamentally the show left me unsure, confused – which was entirely the point:  our confusion is their confusion. Churchill's aim to be a part of what many have tried to suppress is fulfilled, and Mad Forest is a worth seeing. The first section is hard going, but that's kind of the point and it works as a whole.

Check out Fringe Theatre and Comedy in London
Check out London Theatre
Check out Things To Do in London

Gemma Bergomi