November 14, 2007
First and foremost, this is a cracking piece of writing: the script by Jez Butterworth fizzes with life, energy, rhythm, menace and many other things. It is amazing that no-one has staged this in Oxford before – it is a great showcase for character actors as well as being great entertainment for audiences.
Mojo is set in a seedy Soho nightclub at a time when rock and roll was a new sensation. Very much part of the underworld, all the characters have their own tics and agendas. Fuelled by alcohol and drugs, they struggle to come to terms with the murder and mutilation of their boss, Ezra, and the imminent collapse of their worlds. As the action continues, double-crossing is replaced with even more levels of duplicity and deceit - always shot through with great humour - until the final confrontation occurs...
The production is tight, with good attention to detail. Relying, as it does, on very clear characterisation and intensity, the production succeeds better than many I have seen at the BT in recent years. Yes, there are some infelicities, but these are not significant enough to spoil the evening.
Of the six actors, three give outstanding performances. This is not to say that the others are poor – they are just rather overshadowed by their colleagues. Will Giller and Nat Gordon carry the majority of the play with nuanced, twitchy and committed physicality. They are always in character and maintain their accents throughout the ninety minutes of the action. Sam Kennedy as the psychotic Baby is a revelation. He has a presence and ability to change mood in an instant. Even when he was asleep, he was still an active participant in the action.
I will certainly be watching out for more plays by Jez Butterworth and will also keep an eye on Messers Giller, Gordon and Kennedy as their acting career in Oxford progresses.
Congratulations to all for a good night out.
Mojo is set in a seedy Soho nightclub at a time when rock and roll was a new sensation. Very much part of the underworld, all the characters have their own tics and agendas. Fuelled by alcohol and drugs, they struggle to come to terms with the murder and mutilation of their boss, Ezra, and the imminent collapse of their worlds. As the action continues, double-crossing is replaced with even more levels of duplicity and deceit - always shot through with great humour - until the final confrontation occurs...
The production is tight, with good attention to detail. Relying, as it does, on very clear characterisation and intensity, the production succeeds better than many I have seen at the BT in recent years. Yes, there are some infelicities, but these are not significant enough to spoil the evening.
Of the six actors, three give outstanding performances. This is not to say that the others are poor – they are just rather overshadowed by their colleagues. Will Giller and Nat Gordon carry the majority of the play with nuanced, twitchy and committed physicality. They are always in character and maintain their accents throughout the ninety minutes of the action. Sam Kennedy as the psychotic Baby is a revelation. He has a presence and ability to change mood in an instant. Even when he was asleep, he was still an active participant in the action.
I will certainly be watching out for more plays by Jez Butterworth and will also keep an eye on Messers Giller, Gordon and Kennedy as their acting career in Oxford progresses.
Congratulations to all for a good night out.