Iphigenia In Splott

New Ghosts Theatre Company’s Iphigenia In Splott is a one person tour de force, charting the hopes, dreams, despair and determination to thrive of one of society’s cast aside many.

Effie has her week planned out – booze, dancing food, hang over and then repeat. A well researched routine that she has cultivated for maximum effect and self centred gain. But one night, as a series of random events unfold, Effie’s nerve and grit is put to the test as her life is  changed forever.

Gary Owen weaves a captivating story and heavily detailed world for the character of Effie to inhabit. Owen’s use of prose is evocative and engrossing – harsh and all too real but yet has a poetry to it that keeps the work heightened and emotionally impactful throughout the 90 minutes.

For the most part, Lucy Clements’ direction keeps the work sharp and leans into the grit and grime of Effie’s world. There is a rumbling underbelly of fury that is kept tense and taught, pulled only at the exact right moment to pull the rug out from under the audience and deliver an intense moment of truth that shifts the perception of Effie and her world. Clements however does fall into the trappings of overusing dull and cliche transition techniques that falters the production more than drives.

Meg Clarke’s performance ignites the stage with a blazing talent that many can only aspire to. Clarke shows a deep understanding and respect of Effie – peeling away the cliched layers to reveal a character deeply affected by a society that would rather judge than empathise. Clarke is constantly “on” – fully embodying the physicality and vocal changes of the character as well as an utter dedication to the script and rhythm that never misses the mark.

Angela Doherty’s set is simple yet brilliantly detailed, allowing a time and place to instantly be recognised and giving Clarke a solid foundation to find a grounding within the world and a space to play and thrive. Luna Ng’s lighting is the true standout of the production – a luscious lightscape that draws the audience in and transports them to the beating heart of the work.

It is easy to see why Iphigenia In Splott is a much awarded script with this creative team not only doing the work justice but finding ways to elevate and add originality to make the production their own.