Inspired by the American Poet Sylvia Plath
Presented by "The Paper Birds" who are five newly graduated drama students from Bretton Hall, Leeds. This devised mixed-media piece was created as part of their final year assessment and performed to great acclaim at the National Student Drama Festival. Inspired by the poetry, letters and diaries of the American poet Sylvia Plath, who committed suicide in 1963, A Smile Fell on the Grass is a highly original blend of dance, mime, movement, music and words.
It begins quietly, with a gentle pace; to a soundtrack of soft, haunting music, a chorus line of five bright red lipped women in black dresses sway and slide in a synchronised ballet followed by a series of actions repeated by each woman in turn. It is all quite surreal - lace gloves, washing feet, handbags, chopping onions and potatoes and pair of disembodied hands throws green ivy leaves through a window. Then one voice speaks and the women all join in unison sharing their desires, needs, hopes and memories about childhood, relationships and romance.
While this cool and quirky piece of physical theatre captures the imagination and is hypnotic to the eye and ear, the poetic imagery is rather lost to the audience. Perhaps a programme note giving Plath's inspirational ideas might have put it all in context. Nevertheless the strong ensemble, especially Gemma McDonnell and Elle Moreton work their socks off. The superb musical soundtrack is composed and performed live by Shane Durrant.
When and Where
Runs to August 25th, (not Tuesdays) at 1400 hours at Pleasance Courtyard (Venue 33), 60 The Pleasance. Presented by The Paper Birds.
Return to Index of 2003 Fringe Reviews.
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