The Shoemaker's Incredible Wife

It's a fable about duality of the self, with the wife portrayed as two separate characters, so realism is hardly at the top of its agenda.

Article by Julie Balazs | 15 Jul 2006
The titular wife is 18 years-old, married to a 50-something shoemaker; her terrible temper alone would have been enough to drive him away, so her demands that he get out of her life only hasten his sudden departure from their home. After he leaves, she decides that, actually, she prefers him to all of her young sexy suitors and begins a life of celibacy and abject devotion. 'Incredible' is right. Then again, it's a fable about duality of the self, with the wife portrayed as two separate characters, so realism is hardly at the top of its agenda. But this creates a sort of charm, especially as a 'writer' crafts the tale on his guitar as the action unfolds. The young actors range from watchable to excellent – Donald Revolta gives a memorably reptilian performance as the seedy mayor – and are clearly having a great time, though they could do with fewer villagers, as often the stage feels overcrowded. [Julie Balazs]
Royal Lyceum, Edinburgh, 15 June
George Heriot's School.