Review: THREE SISTERS, Yard Theatre

C-H-E-K-H-O-V - that's the theme buzzing around the Yard Theatre right now. Recognised as one of the greatest writers of short fiction, the famous Russian playwright's world-renowned text is given a radical reimagining. A blend of movement, music, theatre and personal politics, RashDash bring their critically acclaimed Three Sisters to Hackney Wick.

The reverberations from the drumming, violin and powerful vocals make the entire building shake. This 90-minute production is an overwhelming onslaught of percussion and direct address. And as an audience, it's exhausting to watch - but in a good way.

Naked flesh is used as costume, acting as a signifier for the performances total rawness; nudity is allowed to simply exist and is never over-sexualised. RashDash's work allows the audience to see the time it takes to set up each moment. They linger in the process, refusing to hide the fact that it is theatre and it takes time.

And when the scene is in full swing, the tone immediately changes. Bodies are thrown about and the women demonstrate impressive lifts and holds. The moments of physicalised action seems to come effortless, and it's clear that co-creators Abbie Greenland, Helen Goalen and Becky Wilkie possess an enormous amount of trust between one another.

It allows them to give themselves fully to the choreography, and this chaotic movement provides a sensory spectacle that's thrilling to watch. And there's something rather exciting about watching a series of exhausting movement sequences, followed by moments of stillness.

There are so many spontaneous delights that emerge throughout, that I don't wish to spoil by revealing what they are, but know that you're in for a definite treat. RashDash's methodology won't be to everyone personal taste, but the company's enthusiasm for and commitment to their work.

Three Sisters at the Yard Theatre until 9 June

Photo courtesy of RashDash Theatre

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