Woodhill
Ed Fringe 2023
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Ed Fringe 2023 -
This verbatim dance piece, brought to life by the creative minds of LUNG and The North Wall, delivers a gut-punching experience that resonates long after the final curtain falls. In a mesmerizing blend of choreography Tyler Brazao, Chris Otim, Miah Robinson, and Marina Climenttake to the stage to shed light on a haunting and often overlooked reality within the confines of HMP Woodhill. I’ve long been a fan of LUNG, and they do not disappoint here.
Woodhill is a verbatim show that follows the lives of three men within the walls of Woodhill prison, a place where desperation and mystery intertwine. These men are dying, and their families refuse to remain silent. This gripping narrative, all delivered through voice over and recorded interviews, serves as a call to arms, urging the audience to confront the crisis lurking within the country's prison system. The production masterfully intertwines choreography and unflinching beats, creating a visceral experience that reflects the harsh realities faced by those behind bars.
The choreography in Woodhill is nothing short of mesmerizing. Each movement carries a weight that resonates with the emotions of the characters and the gravity of their situations. The movement sequences capture the sense of confinement, despair, and ultimately, the quest for answers that the families undertake. The physicality of the performances draws the audience into the narrative, allowing us to empathise, understand and finally hear testimonies, acting as a powerful medium through which the hidden story of HMP Woodhill is brought to light.
The narrative structure of Woodhill is a remarkable feat. The true stories of the three families are lyrically woven into the fabric of the performance, offering a raw and unfiltered glimpse into their world. The families' investigation into the fate of their loved ones serves as the driving force behind the piece, and as they peel back the layers of secrecy, the revelations they uncover are haunting. The emotional impact of their discoveries reverberates through the audience, turning their own perspectives upside down as they grapple with the harsh realities these families face.
By sharing the true stories of these families, Woodhill urges us all to be vigilant, to ask questions, and to demand change.
You can join the No More Deaths campaign for justice here.
Woodhill is on at Summerhall - Main Hall on Aug 15-20, 22-27 - tickets available here.
FOUR STARS
Photo by Alex Powel.