Handel's Cross @ CCA

As part of Glasgay 2013, Theatre North bring Handel's Cross to the CCA. The play follows one man's fantasy about the famous composer Handel, all of which is played out while Martin Lewton is strapped to a wooden St. Andrew's cross. 

Of course, as a fantasy, it doesn't have to answer to any laws of theatrical convention or even historical accuracy. Nonetheless, ‘fat Handel’ is represented in period – eighteenth century – costume, and is given a Yorkshire accent. While the narrative presented by Lewton is fascinating and reflects an intelligent and thorough research of Handel’s life, the stationary re-enactment – extremely passionate from Lewton’s side but rather passive on the part of Handel – makes it hard to focus on the tale being told. Daring though it may be to be flogged or have wax dripped on your naked body in public, it distracts rather than adding to the tale's narration. 

Admittedly, the focus on the method of narration may be petty, since the play opens up so many questions about the nature of sexuality and the relationship between God, Christianity, and sex. While the performance is called Handel's Cross, and it is implied that the cross is the one Lewton finds himself strapped to, it could also be the metaphorical cross that Handel would have carried for his sexual orientation, a cross he couldn't possibly choose to bear.

Finally, the idea that someone who made such spellbinding music, such iconic hymns, could have been gay might not be entirely groundbreaking, but it definitely makes for an interesting starting point for discussion about artistic expression, repression of desire, sex, and religion. [Eric Karoulla]