The Flying Lovers of
Vitebsk was a small, intimate piece in the small, intimate setting of the
Globe’s Sam Wanamaker Playhouse on 2nd July 2016. Lyrical is the
best word I can think of to describe it.
Every movement in Kneehigh’s Flying Lovers is as carefully choreographed as the words are
written. And this flowing movement, combined with the vivid live music, makes
for an unusual, charming, and – yes – lyrical piece of theatre.
Just two main cast members, plus musicians, play out this
tale of the artist Marc Chagall’s life with his wife Bella. I knew next to
nothing about the Chagalls before seeing this. I was not familiar with his work
or with hers. But that didn’t matter. Their work, their outward-facing lives,
the historical context are all part of The
Flying Lovers of Vitebsk, but also somehow outside of its gaze.
Above all, this is a tale of two people. Small and intimate.
And I found it a very thoughtful exploration of an individual’s creativity, and
how that interacts with everyday life, the wider world, and those you are close
to.
Some years ago in Cornwall, I saw Kneehigh’s Midnight’s Pumpkin. There was aerial
work in that – trapezes and such – and I was sort of expecting something along
those lines in The Flying Lovers of
Vitebsk. I suppose it would’ve been difficult in the Sam Wanamaker
Playhouse, but it would have been wonderful to see these lovers actually take
flight.
As it was, though, the movement was beautiful, and I was
smiling almost throughout the whole piece.
Lyrical really is the best word I can think of for it.
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