Edinburgh festival Day 16: Reviews: Doctor Faustus

Roberta Mock
Monday 30 August 1993 23:02 BST
Comments

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

Polkatz's hell-for-leather production of the Marlowe classic revels in stylised post-Archaos grittiness. The sinister overtones are chic and urban, suitable for a shortened text delivered at breakneck speed. Faustus's avarice is modern and palpable. At such a tempo, however, any subtle surfacing of his apprehension is realised with difficulty. His motivation reads like redemption for the sake of convenience. Polkatz's vision of hell may be dirty, but it remains altogether too appealing.

Old St Paul's Theatre (venue 45), Jeffrey St (031 557 6696). 9.30pm to 4 Sept.

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in