Grief can be defined in a multitude of ways, whether as something dark and emotional or something selfish, but never before have I considered grief as something competitive. Through the lens of dark comedy, Lucas Closs presents the grief of two young people both as a social and an artistic competition in his Mitigating Circumstances.
student theatre
A Night (or Two) at the Opera
The Marriage of Figaro was at once deeply emotional and profoundly funny, drawing its audiences into the depths of the action. Set in 1990s Hollywood, this interpretation drew attention to the stories to surface in the wake of the #MeToo movement and reminded us of the corruption that goes hand in hand with power.
Stars Hide Your Fires
Upon first entering The Pilch, the initial thought in the minds of the audiences was the distinct lack of set. Beside the black and white wall hanging that was somewhat reminiscent of a colour by numbers, there was simply a blank canvas.
Spring and Summer Every Day
The play is undoubtedly a comment on society, on the lessons we teach and the ones we don't, and it was a message which was conveyed strikingly. Opening with a haunting song from Am Wyckoff's Wendla, there was the promise of a good show that did not disappoint.
You’re Here When Nobody Asked You to be. That’s Love
Both the writing and acting successfully enabled the creation of a well of feeling that washed over the audience bringing us into the moment and allowing us to gain a sense of empathy towards the situation. Stunning performance aside, this was an invaluable lesson in grief and emotion.
Did You Really Hear Me?
Within the context of the musical there was no such thing as a happy ending; however, if life is lived on other stages then this was a stage worth forgoing a quiet night at home to watch. This show left me speechless and was without a doubt the best performance I attended during Hilary Term.
The Isle is Full of Noises, Sounds and Sweet Airs
From the moment that the audience entered we were transported to another place - our attention never being lost due to the constant presence of fantasy upon the stage. It is clear how much creative thought went into the project and the team (both cast and crew) should be immensely proud of the outcome.
Crazy is Underrated
Walking into the dark auditorium as the doors opened, I was greeted by strewn cobwebs, the sounds of a storm and all round immersive experience which instantly transported the audience to the world of the Addams'.
If I Die Remember Me
We want heroes to be selfless and noble and ready to die for a cause and yet this was never what The Iliad was about. The Iliad was a story of pride and pain and the musical Troy Story focussed in on these themes, pulling them apart and highlighting the love stories that lie at the heart of any war story.
An Allotment Drama
Max Morgan's new play has had so much energy poured into the marketing of a project that there was always the fear that the play itself may fall short. This was very much not the case with Fetid. Fetid is an example of the raw and developing talent to be found within Oxford University Drama Society and should be celebrated for not only its set and direction, but also the talented actors who were the faces that brought this vision to life. From the moment audiences stepped through the door of The Pilch they were transported into a village allotment surrounded by all of the dramas of every day people seeking to navigate life.
Wild Rose and Pearls 