Here's a short review of the live theatrical version of And The Ass Saw The Angel. It played 6 nights at The Economiser Building in Spencer St. Melbourne, a large converted factory-space, from 30 Sept. to 5 Oct. as part of the 1997 Fringe Festival.

Presented by Brand 'X' Theatre Inc. from Adelaide.
Directed by Rachael Stead.
Dramaturg : Fiona Sprott
Euchrid Eucrow played by James Winter
Artistic Director James Winter
Music composed by Dylan Woolcock

The Play was presented as a series of monologues by Euchrid, accompanied by live music for voice, cello, violin, nylon-string guitar, harmonica & percussion. Also included were photographic slides, film and projected illustrations.

My review: James Winter gave a youthful, humourous & energetic performance: Bare-chested and wearing knee-length trousers, with a sickle scythe tucked in his belt; clambering over the bare split level stage. Thankfully he did not try to affect an American accent. (Something few Australian Actors can achieve). The scythe and one chair were the only props.

The death of Cosey Mo was portrayed very strongly. But I found towards the end of the play that Euchrid's madness was handled rather flatly; undramatically. And the murder of Beth and final chase into the swamp was something of an anti-climax.

The slides/film/illustrations were projected intermittently: A 'map' of the town; some titles & phrases; pictures of an angel; a house of cards, etc. Occasionally they detracted from the drama, or were unnecessary decoration, but some, particularly the written texts, added to the drama.

The music varied from some predictable atmospherics played on harmonica (bluesy wailing) or strings (ambient textures) to some poor pop songs. Perhaps in another context I would find these simple songs pleasing, but accompanying the play they were a big mistake.

The sound mix was loud and obtrusive; the amplified guitar overpowering the unamplified actor. I guess you can tell by now I found the musical element of this production to be it's biggest handicap, and left me wondering if the producers had received any official sanction from Nick Cave.