Review: FURY AND ELYSIUM, The Other Palace
Photo credit: Lexi Clare Photography
A brand new musical is truly an exceptional thing and it was a joy to see a piece of original work, Fury and Elysium, in the Studio at The Other Palace last night.
Set in Weimar Germany against the backdrop of the rise of fascism, Fury and Elysium explores the lives of six Jewish, queer and trans women.
Unfortunately, due to illness, Iz Hesketh was unable to perform so super swing Charlotte Clitherow stepped in to read and sing the role of Anita, folder in hand. This was surely not the press night the cast or creative team would have wanted but it created an especially beautiful and supportive atmosphere. This was particularly apt for a show that celebrates difference in a time of political turmoil. This fascinating new production explores expressionist art, the drag king scene and the infamous decadence of 1920s Berlin.
Composed by Calista Kazuko Georget, with a book by Stephanie Martin, the topics of Fury and Elysium may seem unlikely for a musical. However, with the pomp of German inspired music, it is reminiscent of Cabaret. In fact, Ashley Goh plays Claire Waldoff, a Sally Bowles-esque womaniser and cabaret singer who is the star of the romance at the centre of the story. The range of music, which gives each character a chance to share their story, captures the mood of this tumultuous period of history right from the start with the opening song ‘Lavender Dreams’.
Through the intimacy of the Studio at The Other Palace, we are transported to Weimar Berlin to be immersed in the stories of these iconic women. The simplicity of the costumes and set really allow the piece to speak for itself. The ensemble cast dressed in monochrome costumes, embroidered with their monikers like ‘the writer’ and ‘the socialist, all give magnetic performances that pay homage to the real women who inspired the show: writer Gabriele Tergit (Maya Kristal Tenenbaum), revolutionary socialist Rosa Luxemburg and the world’s first punk Valeska Gert (Rosie Yadid). Danielle Steers commands the stage as Miss Kitty, and her powerful and nuanced performance is a standout.
A bold, revolutionary and fearless piece of theatre that celebrate queerness, politics and culture. Hopefully this isn’t the last we see of Fury and Elysium.
**** Four stars
Reviewed by: Sophie Luck
Fury and Elysium plays at The Other Palace until 18 June, with further information here.