Jermyn Street Theatre, London – until 29 September 2018
Guest reviewer: Laura Alier
This piece follows Leonora, a young, intelligent woman, whose lust for life leads her to Paris where she begins a relationship with Max Ernst. Leo is a true enigma to Max, later referred to as a child-womon, who explores herself and the world through art. Slightly painting the play with brushstrokes of surrealism, symbols such as the horse keep reappearing as leitmotifs, guiding the audience on a deeper journey.
In the present, Leo (Susan Tracey) now lives in Mexico and receives a visit from Eliza (Eleonora Wyld), a young writer who is slowly dousing her own passions. As Leo unfolds her memories, we see scenes of her past played by Phoebe Pricey and Nigel Whitley. They are two curious, free people, loving each other with the certainty that their voices and art are worth to be heard.
In a world where programmes such as Love Island are on primetime TV and cuts to the arts are the norm, this story is a fresh gust of wind. The delicate direction of Michael Oakley and the connection between the actors make this play stand-out. Let’s make art without apologies, and support each other on the way.
