Theatre Review
Mungu Theatre Company Daedalus & Icarus
Barbican Pit
25 – 29 November, 2008
A review by Allan Taylor for EXTRA! EXTRA!
Based on the Greek myth of Daedalus & Icarus, the father and son duo work hard on a flying machine to escape the labyrinth in which they have been imprisoned by King Minos. Icarus develops attachments to the simple surroundings, but Daedalus presses on and is keen to escape. Will the contraption carry them both to safety? A heavy noise factor goes with this play in the way of banging, clanging and scraping making a rather grating and unsettling start. Taking a while to ease in, the piece has a very animated and apparent physicality, making the comic aspects worthwhile. The underlying fatherly oppression paints Icarus as the lovable, sentimental fool to Daedalus’ genius. The ingenious setting makes it incredibly simplistic and effective without over complicating the scenario. The special effects are created using stage hands all dressed in black with black balaclavas, moving objects around stage as if they are seemingly invisible. Compact, the play has an inevitable conclusion and we feel ourselves waiting for it. The retelling does not really bring anything new to our understanding of the tale, but its unique setting does allow us to contemplate the dynamic of the relationship between the father and son. Amir Reza Koohestani does well to take the helm of this play providing excellent direction as well as touching text, great design and convenient costume. The daredevil use of simple scaffolding and power tools add some nice touches, and Koohestani is able to follow his trail of thought all the way through the play. The physicality of the piece and Icarus’ lovability are the main draws, making Daedalus & Icarus a simplistic, yet effective draw in the new moves in Iranian theatre.
Performance time 7.45pm Tickets £12 For more info call 0207 638 8891 or go to
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