Don’t be fooled by the razzle and dazzle of the Fringe, good old classic theatre still persists as an anchor of familiar entertainment. Tennessee, Rose is a play that speculates the life of Rose Williams, sister of American playwright Tennessee Williams. Rose was known as the inspiration to his plays, and remembered by a life of constant tumult. Her life of living with mental health struggles and a series of family betrayal plays out on the stage.
The simple realistic set is an instant indication for the show ahead. It becomes quickly apparent that the three actors appearing on stage have a comfortableness between each other and the stage. The standout component of the show is most definitely the performances. The staging of Rose allows actress, Annie Kidd, to let loose and play with her physicality. The actress alternates between her character at an age much closer to her own and a young untamed Rose. The levity that comes from watching Kidd frolic are the parts I enjoyed the most. It was nicely complimented by Aron Dochard and Helen Katamba who played multiple characters but of a similar physicality, really allowing Rose’s peaks and troughs in movement shine. The story was simple yet well written and uncomplicated by a thick plot which let the performances carry the show. By the end, so neatly ended, I was satisfied. Getting my fix of quintessentially traditional theatre.
It isn’t hard to watch. It is easy theatre that is refreshing in the sense that we got to see an older female lead capture the attention of the audience. It was a wonderful display of the striking entertainment value an older actress can have, nestled in an industry that tends to put forth women untouched by age as their leads. This show indeed does have some razzle and dazzle about it, but in a very classic, dependable way.
Tennessee, Rose
12:10 @ The Pleasance Dome – AceDome
Aug 5-8, 10-15, 17-22, 24-28
