EDINBURGH 2013 - BWW Reviews: BALLAD OF THE BURNING STAR, Pleasance Dome, August 17 2013

In the post-ANTM age (if that doesn't make immediate sense, I won't explain it for fear of embarrassment), the word fierce has become a bit overused but it's the only description for the five 'Starlets' in this new production by Theatre Ad Infinitum, darlings of the Fringe after their previous show, the quietly devastating 'Translunar Paradise'. This group of immensely talented physical performers has energy for days, and they are just hugely watchable for the entire running time, thanks in no small part to the twitchy, spiky choreography of Orian Michaeli (one of the five).

Their roles change regularly - ostensibly they are involved to help the host of the show Star (a man in drag, Nir Paldi, who also writes and directs) tell a story of loss with the Israel/Palestine conflict as a backdrop, though that seems like the wrong word to use as it's a constant presence, with all its complexity, grey areas and of course its devastating impact. At various points, though, they play different parts in the story of a boy called Israel (played by Star/Paldi).

Star is an unsettling narrator. Practically everything 'she' says is loaded with satire, she berates the Starlets and frequently stops the show to make a point, or criticise one of the girls again. One never gets the feeling that she can or should be trusted, but as the show goes on and the light-hearted banter all but disappears, some sincerity begins to appear, leading up to an unexpected and deeply affecting finale.

It's far from an easy watch, and couldn't be more different to the company's previous piece, which is admirable in itself, considering many audience members (including this one) might have been expecting something along similar lines. This is a bold, brave show that cements Theatre Ad Infinitum's status as one of the most fascinating, inventive companies around.

'Ballad of the Burning Star' runs daily (except Tueasday) at 17:15 until August 26.

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