OBSERVER: Ode To A Grape
Poor Johann is a failure as a poet which is just as well for the audience at this Fringe Festival diversion because laughter and amusement was the consequence.
Em Barrett had her alter ego toying with the audience soliciting input for the next poem only to reject offerings out of hand.
That ability to play with the house whatever they say added an extra frisson keeping everyone engaged.
Her style and technique – the looks and gestures – were well timed and well sustained.
The technical touches of audio and lighting were simple but used well with Johann’s inner demon and saint providing character layers.
Suitably absurd, some of the poetry was actually catchy; the simplicity of rhyming couplets diverting. Poetry, according to Johann, was meant to be suffering but laughter kept getting in the way.
Hooray I say.
Review by David McLean