Theatre review: Meesterlijk

Published on Wednesday 12 August 2009 19:02

MEESTERLIJK – SHOWCASING THE BEST OF DUTCH THEATRE THE GRV (VENUE 274)

"I'LL probably need time to think about that one," says someone, ponderously, as they leave at the end of this show. It's the kind of piece that lends itself to that sort of reaction. Set in a caf, two friends meet for lunch, but we hear from only one of them – a well-presented woman filled with frustration and anger. The restaurant is the least appropriate place for her to demonstrate her extreme emotions, so it's compelling that she doesn't seem to care, getting increasing over-wrought as time goes on, shouting at people, jumping about and covering herself and others in wine.

Anna Hermanns is an excellent performer and it's largely due to her manically compelling presence that the piece draws you in. Ria Mark's translated script (based on a concept by Hermanns) was selected as part of a competition to bring Dutch theatre to the Fringe. It consequently offers a fascinatingly different viewpoint – the kind that you tend only to get from a piece of work that originates from a different country. Although you may struggle to say what the play was about by the end – or even what you think of it – you will feel you've experienced something different and provocative. And that's always good.

Until 30 August. Today 12:20am.