Toska – Hope Theatre, Islington

Reviewer: Christine Stanton

Writer / Director: Elizabeth Huskisson

“Sleekly Synchronised”

3 / 5

The shocking true story of the Khachaturyan sisters murdering their abusive father sparked nationwide debates in Russia back in 2018, putting a spotlight on their judicial system and legality around domestic crimes. Currently the sisters are awaiting trial but could be liable for up to 20 years in prison for their crime, despite their suffering and abuse.

Writer, Choreographer, Director and Producer – Elizabeth Huskisson has taken this fascinatingly heartbreaking story and transformed it into a contemporary movement production, showcasing the sisters’ plight with both visual projections and live performances. The mostly wordless production is told mainly through the use of movement and facial expressions, which considering the intensely complex subject matter is a challenge, and although the cast deliver in abundance, there are points throughout the show that would benefit from some more narration or visual backdrops to further drive the story home.

Visual designer Lewis Dragisic incorporates various projections on to the background of the piece. Live footage of protests and news coverage, alongside shocking statistics of domestic violence laws really help to hammer Huskisson’s powerfully political message through to the audience and create genuine moments of shock and intrigue as the performance is suddenly alive with the realism of the case.

Composer and Sound Designer, Louie Johnston-Ward does a fantastic job of keeping tension high and the audience engaged. The soundscape used is perfectly utilised, contrasting the bleak, emotional movement scenes alongside high-energy basslines to create a clashing, discombobulating effect, working well to highlight the disorder, conflict and confusion that surrounds the case in its entirety.

Elizabeth Huskisson (Krestina), Alfreya Bell (Maria) and Phoebe Mercer (Angelina) are all impeccable performers, their mostly speech-free roles would be hard for even the most seasoned performers, yet they deliver with powerful results. Each routine is sleekly synchronised and performed perfectly in unison, allowing the message of the sisters equally going through this horror together to be clearly outlined.

This is a harrowing story, presented in a uniquely intriguing way. The choice to opt for a movement based production over a standard narrative pays off for Huskisson as the intrigue remains high and the audience remain engaged throughout the 45minute performance.

Runs until 29 April 2023