UNIQUE, FUNNY AND LEAVES YOU WONDERING – WHO DO WE LOVE?

By Natasha U’Ren-Ashdown | @tasha.ua ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Press Invite

BANG! The sound of two gunshots rings out as two men run onto the stage. All eyes turn to Abel Znorko (Toby Wynn-Davies) and Erik Larsen (Jacob Hutchings) as they trade sharp and funny retorts over Abel’s attempts to shoot Erik upon his arrival to Abel’s remote Norwegian island. It immediately raises a question: why would anyone visit this reclusive Nobel Prize-winning author, and what brings interviewer Erik here? Within the first five minutes, you find yourself at ease, drawn in by how effortlessly Enigma Variations moves between emotional tension and playful, humorous moments.

Éric-Emmanuel Schmitt is truly a remarkable writer, crafting a slowly unravelling story that is at once ironic and tender. He poetically blends Abel’s unusual and striking reflections on love, which both entertain the audience and prompt reflection on the nature of love. Schmitt’s intelligent writing shines through Abel’s patronising responses to Erik and the subtle interplay over who holds the intellectual upper hand, providing remarkable depth and understated foreshadowing.

The acting in this production was well executed from start to finish. Abel offered a compelling exploration of love, with his sarcastic and glib mannerisms adding both humour and texture to his performance, while subtly undermining Erik’s character. Erik’s emotional responses created a believable and dynamic connection on stage. With a little more depth and emotional layering, his performance could become even more powerful. The pacing of the cast and storyline was excellent, complemented by numerous enticing climactic moments that kept the audience engaged throughout. Moments of sadness also punctuate the production, revealing that not everything is as it seems as the truth gradually unfolds.

Set and costume designer Matteo Mastrandrea complemented the story, ensuring all attention remained on the actors through the use of a minimalist, plain-white stage. Comprising of a floor-to-ceiling backdrop of filled bookshelves, a piano, a stereo, office furniture, and scattered pages, the set provided no distractions, allowing the emotion and dialogue to take centre stage.

With the play’s own overview intentionally vague, I was intrigued to see the ‘confrontation years in the making’ and whether it would live up to my expectations. Thankfully, this unique story exceeded them, keeping the audience guessing until the very end, with audible gasps throughout. If you have the opportunity to see this production, I wholeheartedly recommend it for its fresh and thought-provoking take on love and human relationships.

Enigma Variations is running at OSO Arts Centre until Saturday 15 November.

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Photo Credit: Henry Hu