Monday, August 08, 2005

Teatr Nowy Faust

It's the Edinburgh Festival again. Tonight I saw a Polish version of Goethe's Faust adapted and directed by Janusz Wisniewski, artistic director of Posnan's 'Teatr Nowy'. This is the third play I've seen by Wisniewski over the years at the Festival. The first one, 'The End Of Europe', was the most powerful piece of modern theatre I've ever seen. 'Faust' doesn't disappoint either, even though there is a lot more dialogue, all of which is in Polish. It is visually stunning, faultlessly executed, brilliantly acted, and highly original. I'm certain it would be even better if I spoke Polish, but it still provides the sort of experience that makes me glad to be in Edinburgh at this time of year.