A new interpretation of Arthur Schnitzler's 1897 drama La Ronde has emerged, reimagined as Ring Ring, a modern carousel of anxieties. The gentle dance of linked fragments, performed by a young cast, offers a soft and nuanced exploration of the contemporary concerns that keep us up at night.
The production weaves together diverse scenes featuring nervous couples, anxious individuals, and people struggling with existential dread. Each scene is a poignant expression of the human experience, as writer Gary Owen brings to life the fragility and yearning that often accompany modern life. However, collectively, the scenes feel disjointed, lacking a sense of accumulation or forward momentum.
The cast delivers strong performances, particularly Tiger Tingley, who shines in roles as both a harried worker and an exhausted parent. Leisa Gwenllian and Iwan Bond also excel, effortlessly shifting between charm and anxiety.
Despite its gentle approach, the production stumbles with awkward transitions and clumsy set design. The corrugated set, intended to evoke physical reminders of encounters, instead becomes an eyesore. Moreover, the show's roots as a student production remain apparent, limiting its impact as a polished professional outing.
Ultimately, Ring Ring feels like a sum of its parts rather than a cohesive whole. While it offers glimpses of fine storytelling, the overall effect is fragmented and fleeting. The show's audience is treated to a series of poignant moments, but these are not sufficient to sustain a lasting impression.
The production weaves together diverse scenes featuring nervous couples, anxious individuals, and people struggling with existential dread. Each scene is a poignant expression of the human experience, as writer Gary Owen brings to life the fragility and yearning that often accompany modern life. However, collectively, the scenes feel disjointed, lacking a sense of accumulation or forward momentum.
The cast delivers strong performances, particularly Tiger Tingley, who shines in roles as both a harried worker and an exhausted parent. Leisa Gwenllian and Iwan Bond also excel, effortlessly shifting between charm and anxiety.
Despite its gentle approach, the production stumbles with awkward transitions and clumsy set design. The corrugated set, intended to evoke physical reminders of encounters, instead becomes an eyesore. Moreover, the show's roots as a student production remain apparent, limiting its impact as a polished professional outing.
Ultimately, Ring Ring feels like a sum of its parts rather than a cohesive whole. While it offers glimpses of fine storytelling, the overall effect is fragmented and fleeting. The show's audience is treated to a series of poignant moments, but these are not sufficient to sustain a lasting impression.