Goethe's Faust: Part 1 - Black Box Theatre, University of Cumbria, Lancaster campus - 03/03/10
The Faust legend has been popular with dramatists since the late 1500s, and Goethe's two-part version from the early 1800s is a landmark of German literature.
For its second-year drama students' production, the University of Cumbria chose a modern adaptation by the contemporary Scottish award-winning playwright John Clifford.
A fine text it is too – pacy, contemporary and a great opportunity for creative interpretation and production. The students, under the supervision and direction of Colin Knapp, gave us an energetic and highly competent performance.
The cast of more than 20 was led by an accomplished Ben Iveson as Faust, and a menacing Mephistopheles from Zoe Varma. With some doubling, the rest of the large cast also turned in strong performances.
Design, staging in the round, wild dancing, well-chosen music, some skilful lighting and movements all contributed to the overall high-octane impact this piece requires. Diction was uniformly superb, even in the passionate rants.
Student drama is an exciting and valuable part of Lancaster's cultural scene, and this production yet again confirms the sterling abilities and richness of live theatre at the University of Cumbria.
Michael Nunn
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Weather for Preston
Thursday 29 July 2010
Today
Cloudy
Temperature: 15 C to 17 C
Wind Speed: 28 mph
Wind direction: West
Tomorrow
Light rain
Temperature: 15 C to 19 C
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Wind direction: South
