SAP
Greenhall Roundabout
daily at 12:50
“A contemporary fast-paced thriller with ancient roots, SAP is directed by Offie-nominated Jessica Lazar (Anna Bella Eema, Arcola Theatre; Outlying Islands, King’s Head Theatre; Dangerous Giant Animals, Edinburgh Fringe/United Solo Fest New York/Park Theatre). This debut play by Rafaella Marcus is a queer urban fable about bisexuality and what we allow people to believe.
When a woman tells a lie to her girlfriend, a seed is planted that starts to grow in the darkness. Now roots are cracking up through the pavement and branches are coming in at the windows, and – as she starts to see things that no one else can – she becomes the focus of some seriously unwanted attention.”
Review by Richard Lambert, 5 Stars
From the 1st few moments of SAP you know you’re in for some incredibly engaging theatre. Jessica Clarke’s top-notch performance reaches out and grips everyone in the audience. The 1st section of the play is very relatable and delivered with a comedy twinkle. The later sections demanding depths of emotions that are both conflicting and powerful.
Rebecca Bantvala portrays both the girlfriend and the girlfriend’s brother with absolute conviction. Using subtle touches of persona, which become more evident as the play progresses, it is an absolute gem of a role played to perfection.
Paines Plough’s Roundabout is an experience in itself. A 168-seat theatre in the round with 3 stage entrances. SAP utilises all the strengths of the theatre in the solid director hands of Jessica Lazar and the award-winning Atticist Theatre company.
Designed by Rūta Irbīte with lighting design by David Doyle, Composition and Sound Design by Tom Foskett-Barnes, and Movement Direction by Jennifer Fletcher, the production marks the first return of Atticist to the festival since 2016.
SAP brings a circular black shiny reflective floor which creates reflected light onto the ceiling which feels like you’re seated under trees. Technically slick and precision operating complete this wonderful experience.
At the end of the performance, the actors were presented with a Lustrum Award given by Summerhall’s founder and owner Robert MacDowell to shows he particularly admires across the Edinburgh Festivals.
SAP is one production you won’t forget!
Photo credit: David Monteith-Hodge
Listings information:
SAP by Rafaella Marcus
Performance Dates Wednesday 3rd – Sunday 28th August 2022 (not 8th, 15th, 22nd), 12:50
Running Time 70 minutes
Location Paines Plough’s Roundabout @ Summerhall, Summerhall Place, Edinburgh, EH9 1PL
Box Office Tickets are available from www.summerhall.co.uk.
Preview: £9
Shows: £15/14 (£13/12)
Notes Ages 14+
Social media @theatticist, @EKPshows, @RafaellaMarcus
#SAPEdinburgh