Writer and Director: Helena Hipõlito
Ludois an intriguing concept that brings the surreal life of Ludovica “Ludo” Fernandes Mano to the stage. Following Angola’s independence in 1975, Ludo shut herself away in her sister’s top-floor apartment in “The Building of the Envied,” where she lived in seclusion for 28 years, with only her dog Phantom and her books for company.
Presented as a 45-minute, one-woman work-in-progress,Ludouses translated fragments from Ludo’s diary to explore the impact of long-term confinement and agoraphobia. To retain the poetic sound of the original language, the translated dialogue is often delivered over a vamping background score, which adds a nice touch. While the piece shows promise, in its current form, it struggles to fully capture the complexity of her story, often feeling thin in both content and emotional resonance.
Ana Banha delivers a performance filled with both vulnerability and resolve, portraying Ludo as an eccentric but relatable figure navigating a self-imposed prison. Some moments achieve poignancy, especially in her interactions with Phantom, who becomes both her companion and her last link to the outside world. The image of Ludo stepping onto her balcony with a box over her head—a desperate attempt to shield herself from her fears—is one of the play’s most memorable images, though more could have been made of this idea.
Unfortunately, while well-intended, some of the sound design proves distracting, with much of Banha’s dialogue lost due to poorly placed speakers too close to the audience—something easily solved if the piece reaches full production.
Ludohas great potential but, as it stands, remains more of an intriguing idea than a production-ready work. With further development, it could become something genuinely moving. Its themes of grief and isolation are universally resonant, especially given the events of recent years, and embracing those themes more fully while staying true to the original story will stand it in good stead.
Runs until 13 November 2024
Work in Progress with Potential
Work in Progress with Potential
