Man-Cub is a visceral, animalistic masterclass. Devised by a cast of nine, directed and conceived by RADA’s Alistair Wilkinson, the hour-long physical ensemble piece retells and reworks the story of the Jungle Book, against the pulsing bass of a nightclub dance-floor.
The show begins as any night out at a London club, with a brief pat-down and the turning away of those who look a little too green to enter the lions’ den. But as the night unfurls, innocence and consent become increasingly blurred, and we are led into a world where everything is fair game and the law of the jungle reigns.
Through a spectacular feast of physical theatre, we follow the man-cubs first deep-dive into a world fuelled by physicality and narcotics, twisted and distorted by the figures of the night; the caring mother, the excluded down-and-out, the seductress and finally the predator.
Alex Britt is sublimely cast as our rosy-cheeked young protagonist. In a piece where the story is largely told visually and physically, rather than verbally, Britt’s expression and intensity is truly magnetic, drawing the audience to his exposed vulnerability amidst the chaos of the dancefloor.
Every cast member has their moment, beautifully showcasing the clear talent of the ensemble cast; without exception, performances are outstanding, with particular note to Lizzie Manwaring and Callum Tilling, who steal the show with the instinctual animality of their physical performances.
The piece itself is a testament to the potential of Wilkinson and his cast; truly visually breath-taking, the narrative is sometimes lost to the feeling of the piece, overtaken by the intense staccato movement and atmosphere and the audience are left questioning what it all means. With some streamlining and clarification, explicitly distinguishing and exploring each character, this piece could do excellently well with a fringe audience, and I am incredibly excited to see where Man-Cub, and its stunning cast, will be taking us in future.
“And so I wake up, and I think; ’Today is going to be a good day. I’ll do anything, anything to make my life better. It’s time to take care of myself, to take care of me. Myself’
“And for a split second you do actually feel a bit better.”
A journey through black coffee, exposed bones and copies of Vogue, ’Stegosaurus’ explores our relationship with food and asks the question ’how can the same person exist on three pizzas one day and three peanuts the next?’
Ersi Niaoti’s acclaimed play receives it English Language premier in a bold, one woman staging at the Etcetera Theatre in Camden. This exposing play confronts societal attitudes towards body image, sexuality and gender roles in an upfront and revealing way as we follow one woman’s struggle to come to terms with her own situation.
A rare opportunity to experience a piece of modern Greek theatre, ‘stegosaurus’ promises both to provoke and entertain.
Ersi Niaoti is a Greek playwright, actress and director with many years experience in Athens and beyond. ‘Stegosaurus’ is the first time her work has played in the U.K. As well as working in theatre she is co-author of the children’s book ‘9 Fairy Tales and a Wooden Spoon’ – winner of the International Gourmand Award 2012.
Elpida Stathatou is a Greek actress, with undergrad studies in Greece and postgraduate studies in Bridge Theatre Training Company in London. She has several years of experience appearing in several films, short films, music videos and commercials in both London and Athens. It has been her life long dream to be part of a project that combines a demanding and intimate solo performance along with raising awareness about eating disorders. Stegosaurus marks her UK Stage debut.
Director Joe Hufton’s work includes The Collector at the Vaults and Scarlet at the Southwark Playhouse which was shortlisted for Best Ensemble and longlisted for Best Production in the Off West End Awards. He recently worked as associate director for the Olivier award nominated Alice’s Adventures Underground. In addition his work as a director includes Fable for The Flanagan Collective at (Summerhall, Greenwich Theatre and The Soho Playhouse, New York) and Babylon at the Adelaide Fringe. He has also worked for Secret Cinema and directed Dead Poets Society and Back to the Future (one of the largest immersive shows ever staged) for the company. He was Associate Artist for the multi award winning Belt Up Theatre and directed Outland and A Little Princess for the company amongst other.
The Etcetera is an award-winning pub theatre, established in 1986. It has a reputation for hosting and supporting London’s most thrilling new fringe theatre, comedy, cabaret and musical acts. In recent years, the Etcetera has become a hub for several London theatre festivals, including the Camden Fringe and the London Horror Festival. With the launch of it’s annual Black Box Festival (formerly PNPA Festival), it reaffirmed our commitment to creating a strong platform for the capital’s upcoming theatre makers.
Listing
Stegosaurus
by Ersi Niaoti
14th – 19th February 7pm
(6pm on the 19th)
£14
Etcetera Theatre
above the Oxford Arms
265 Camden High Street
London NW1 7BU
