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Critic rating
Exquisite singing and brutal physicality
Claire Allfree, Metro 9 Aug 2007
In 1485, a plague devastated the French town of Arras. Amid the panic, the Church initiated a pogrom of those suspected of witchcraft. The victims were mainly Jews and young women.
This story is the starting point for the new production from Polish company Song Of The Goat, behind the 2004 hit Chronicles - A Lamentation, who once again combine exquisite polyphonic singing with a brutal physicality.
Performed by a seven-strong cast mostly dressed in white, the sublime choral music - an extract from Mozart's Requiem - is constantly pierced by screams and violence: a young Jewish girl is dragged through the streets; a Bible turns to flames. Bodies writhe as though possessed - there is a strong underlying theme of sickness and people made mad by fanatical beliefs.
It's not always clear what's going on but the ritual and rhythm, and aural and visual beauty, attacks the senses with the might of a force ten gale.
Until Aug 27 (not Aug 13, 14, 20 and 21), Assembly Aurora Nova, 2.20pm, £12 to £13.
Details are correct at the time of publication - please check with venue before booking.
