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Humors are no laughing matter The Anatomy of Melancholy Birmingham Rep *** The Anatomy
of Melancholy,
performed by Stan's Cafe was an experience that certainly challenged the
mind. This theatrical
lecture, derived from the original musings of Robert Burton, took us
back to a 17th
century medical culture and enticed us with a world of scholarship that
showed us exactly what it was, and still is to be melancholy. Perhaps to our Elizabethan ancestors, to be ill
or ‘melancholy,' was to be effected by the humors. Sickness was
determined by the powers above and could be treated only by natural
remedies. In today's day and age, we have the technologies to overcome
the harshest of diseases. Stan's Cafe takes us back to the mindset
prevalent between the years 1621 and 1651 during the first publishing's
of Burton's anecdote and allows us to see the swift medical changes that
have appeared from then until now. This may be so, however, Stan's Café are far from
regular and always exceed to push the boundaries of our usual train of
thoughts. The setting is what can be presumed to be an early 17th
century lecture hall, perhaps even Oxford where Burton studied with an
old professor riddled with nervousness and unbelievable sadness. This is Gerard Bell, an excellent performer and
the driving force that bonded all elements of the show. Bell was also
joined by the vigorous trio who were Rochi Rampal, Graeme Rose and Craig
Stephens, all of whom never put a foot wrong, taking the persona of the
four humors that are a central part to Burton's theories, enticing us
with dynamic skills of deliverance of Latin, classical English and even
interjections of songs. It was easy to tell that the hard work during the
rehearsal process gave way to a tight and flawless cast, allowing us to
be a part of their unique world. We are taken back to a 17th century
wonder as the Stan's Café company boldly make a relic of the past shine
through to the 21st century, reaching the audiences of today,
allowing us to see that with ‘Melancholy', some things never change. A superb example shows a humorous comment in,
when explaining the causes of Melancholy, student's find themselves in
solitude and in bouts of sadness due to the overwhelming fear of having
to afford the costs of paying for tuition. Some things have not changed. There is, however, a word of warning. This show
is long, running just shy of three hours and because of its somewhat
uncommon context, you may find that you need some time to become attuned
to the production. Do not let this deter you, Stan's Café are
masters of presenting facts in new and daring ways. This production will
leave you full of knowledge and mindlessly disorganised at the same
time. Something that only Stan's Café can set out to achieve in so
effortless a manner. Directed by James Yarker it runs to 09-11-13. Elizabeth Halpin
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