Writer: Ewan Downie
Directed by Ian Spink
Company of Wolves presents a minimalist, solo reimagining of The Bacchae that trades a traditional cast for a ritualistic, one-man monologue. Written and performed by Ewan Downie, the production strips Euripides’ tragedy back to a bare-bones sensory experience, utilising little more than a high-gloss floor and a few industrial milk trolleys to set the scene.
The staging creates a sharp contrast between the natural imagery in the ancient text and a cold, modern design. While the industrial sterility effectively mirrors the tension of a suppressed psyche, the one-man format makes for a difficult entry point. For a layperson without a firm grasp of Greek mythology, the complex relationships and ancient beliefs are often lost in the telling. Without other actors to ground the story, the audience is left to piece together a complicated narrative through a single voice, which results in a performance that feels impressive to watch but impossible to actually connect with. It feels like a private ritual for the actor rather than a story shared with the room.
Technically, the production is polished. Lighting designer Katharine Williams acts as a silent chorus, using light to carve out shapes and create movement in the darkness. This, paired with a haunting soundtrack of guttural hums and traditional song, creates a powerful, ritualistic atmosphere. There are moments of undeniable visual power. A sequence involving water poured over the head—representing Agave’s ritualistic dismemberment of her son—is a stunning highlight. It is a rare moment of showing in a production that otherwise spends a lot of time telling, effectively using a simple sensory element to stand in for the play’s most gruesome act.
Ultimately, the show feels deeply internal, staying within the performer rather than reaching out to the audience. Downie provides plenty of atmosphere but very little thematic direction, leaving it unclear what the viewer is meant to feel or take away. While the technical craft is undeniable, the lack of narrative clarity means the uninitiated are likely to leave the theatre feeling more adrift than inspired.
Runs until 7th March 2026 | Image: Contributed
