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Jo Tomalin

Edinburgh Fringe: Weird & Wonderful Antiquithon

By Jo Tomalin
(Above) ANTIQUITHON Edinburgh Fringe Banner

Review by Jo Tomalin
www.ForAllEvents.com

Image of characters in ANTIQUITHON

A gem of a show – best 30 minutes at Edinburgh Fringe!

 

(l to r) Gwen Aduh & Aurélie de Cazanove
in ANTIQUITHON
Photo by P.Bosc

 

 

Shows 5 times a day – Tickets £5 and £3
Performance Times (August 1-23) at  13:30 / 14:05 / 14:40 / 15:30 / 16:05
Location: Institut français d’Ecosse (Venue 134)       Duration: 30 min
Suitability: 12+ (Restriction)

In the spirit of side shows of long ago, the French Company des Femmes à Barbe’s Gwen Aduh and Aurélie de Cazanove invite you to a mysterious bijou room. Here, they tell their story (in English) and show objets from their fascinating and macabre collection to a wide eyed audience. The characters are brother and sister and there is a noticeable sibling tension between them throughout as they interact directly to the audience.

image of Gwen Aduh in ANTIQUITHON

Gwen Aduh in ANTIQUITHON
Photo by P.Bosc

You are in a small Victorian style living room, with a twist. In front of you is an array of memorabilia in various boxes – and it sometimes takes a while to realize what you are actually looking at in the subdued lighting.

In a genteel to intense atmosphere Aduh is a dour, correct character in a black pin striped suit, who has seen better days – yet he shows you the objects with pride. Mainly silent, Aduh is brilliant, using his subtle physicality and facial expressions to communicate. Cazanove as a bon vivant hostess welcomes us into their home wearing a formal long dress, she is charming and hospitable. However, all is not what it seems to be…

Shows like this are rare and although Antiquithon (smartly directed by Martin Petitguyot) is small, it is never predictable. Therefore, go and experience this for yourself!

For more information:
Institut français d’Ecosse (Venue 134)
13 Randolph Crescent, EH3 7TT
Box office:
0131 225 5366


Jo Tomalin, Ph.D. reviews Dance, Theatre & Physical Theatre Performances
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www.forallevents.com  Arts & Travel Reviews