one4review | On 17, Aug 2024

Based on the book ‘Pedro Paramo’ by Mexican writer Juan Rulfo, this ambitious production takes on the mighty task of translating a seminal novel into a musical play. The floor of the Studio theatre is so packed with beautiful drums and other musical instruments, it seems impossible that there will be room for any action, but by adopting multiple roles, and playing various instruments, the cast make excellent use of the available space. (For example, an animal’s jawbone doubles as an instrument and a character in the play). Subtitles are projected onto the back cloth, so the audience can follow the storyline as the play is almost entirely in Spanish.

The plot is instigated by a death bed request by Juan Preciado’s mother, Dolores. She wants him to return to Comala to seek out his father, Pedro Paramo, and ask for long due compensation. Upon his arrival, he finds that the once prosperous Comala has turned into a ghost town and he discovers the fate of his evil father from the whispers of the dead who now haunt the town.

This is an extremely entertaining production. With a cast playing multiple characters, and the audience trying to concentrate on the subtitles to follow the plot, it is a challenging but fulfilling piece of theatre. Each audience member is offered a tot of mescal before and after the performance, which certainly puts a smile on their faces, and we were charmed at the end of the play by the cast’s obvious joy at winning a Scotsman Fringe First award. This is well deserved recognition for a play made in the true spirit of the Fringe.

****1/2

Reviewed by Rona
Zoo Southside

5.15pm (1hr 10)

Until 25th August (not 20th)