History meets drag and Bollywood in this dark comedy by the Open Variations Theater, which ran at the Edinburgh Fringe this summer.
1518: The Dancing Plague is set in 16th century Strasbourg and a mysterious outbreak which makes everyone dance. Within the story Katherine (Nicole Souza) and Anna (Ryabrae Ngaida) rekindle their romance.
Hannah Ponturo’s show is energetic and bizarre, revelling in chaos and satirical comment. The mass hysteria affecting 100s of people was very real, and has previously inspired songs by artists like Florence and the Machine and Toehider.
The actors take the basic facts and deliver them in a lively and almost panto style. Whether it was pure mania, poison, spoiled crops, or cohesive protest, something made them dance – and some even died.
It’s very Horrible Histories at times, aspiring to be Hamilton at others. Oddly, a musical version of the story also played at Camden Fringe this year, with a different cast, creatives, and story.
The Ponturo version is full of the ridiculous and at times, that is to its detriment. What starts as fun and intriguing starts to wear thin even over 50 minutes. Apparently, the show has already been trimmed by over 40%. It could stand a bit more.
Delightfully quirky and queer, 1518: The Dancing Plague has its moments of connection and cheekiness, but really throws away the idea of this literal ‘dance of death’.
I’m giving this one 3 stars.
1518: The Dancing Plague was part of this year’s Edinburgh Fringe.
For more on Open Variations Theater, visit their website.
I reviewed this show from a recording supplied by the company’s PR.