That was some seriously fucked up shit. And if you know me at all, then you know that by “fucked up shit” I mean you should totally check this out. Fancy a bit of creeped-out absurdity with your surrealist theatre? Oxbow Lakes is for you.
Last night I caught the press preview of Dirty Market theatre company’s Oxbow Lakes. Although I loved it, I’m still not exactly sure what it was actually about. But with scary silhouettes, gnashing witches, people crawling around acting like dogs and a bit of fairy tale inspired song and dance, I don’t think it really mattered whether I “got it” or not. Moods evoked and emotions stirred seemed to take precedence over adhering to perfect sense. There’s more than enough sensibility going on in my daily life anyway. I found it an enthralling change of pace to take a break from the monotony of reality and allow Dirty Market to mess with head while indulging in their own weird dreamscape.
Versatile and dynamic performances by two members in particular of the hardworking cast – Arti Natharni (as Arti, Roxanne, Mimi the Dog Waitress and Jumping Witch) and Benedict Hopper (as Ben, Cody, Rox Clump, Bittersweet, Lemonzest and the Pink Witch) – captivated. Scenic artwork (Susan Sowerby and Simon Weller) and set design and puppets (Bryan Woltjen) fascinated. Original compositions performed live by Oscar Gibbs (often on toy instruments) set a provocatively eerie tone.
For a strong dose of something different presented with effective aplomb, I highly recommend Oxbow Lakes which runs until 28 September (in a disused print works factory) at 17-20 Parr Street, N1 7ET. Tickets cost £15 (£10 concessions). Find out more at dirty market.com.
