The Entrapped Martyr – The Bread & Roses Theatre, Clapham

Writer and Director: Gabriel Adomaitis

Reviewer: Christine Stanton 

“A struggle to engage with“

1.5 / 5

~This review was originally written for The Reviews Hub ~

Loosely inspired by the Greek myth of Persephone and Hades, The Entrapped Martyr focuses on Sophia and Samiel – Sophia, who is physically trapped in a room, and Samiel, who is ensnared by his feelings and overwhelming need for control.

Billed as an expressionist drama, the play embraces a level of abstract execution, intentionally withholding clear context, time period, location and character connection. While this alone often works in expressionist theatre, the lack of any additional clarity and character establishment within the narrative as a whole makes this show a struggle to engage with. Much of the play consists of long, repetitive monologues that aim to add depth to the storyline but fail to do so. Rather than offering new insights or developing the plot, these speeches feel superficial and stagnant, leaving the audience with little to latch onto as the narrative unfolds.

The interactions between Sophia and Samiel are often stiff and unnatural, with scenes shifting abruptly from one to the next. This lack of fluidity in both dialogue and movement undermines the emotional stakes, making it hard for the audience to invest. This, alongside the sporadic ill-fitting lighting, contributes to the unprepared feel of the production.

One intriguing part of the show is the unconventional power imbalance between captive and captor. Sophia (Nina Dontu) is discerning and combative, frequently admonishing Samiel (Ilija Kniazev) for keeping her locked up. Although she is the captive, her spirit is still strong, her words dripping with venom, and her multiple physical attacks quick and full of rage. Samiel, on the other hand, is calm and considered, often appearing quite hurt by her distaste of losing her freedom. Lazarus (Lex Lawson-Glen) contributes to the dreamlike, fantastical nature of the production with his mysterious arrival in the latter half of the show.

Overall, The Entrapped Martyr is an underwhelming production. While its description promises a thought-provoking exploration of autonomy, freedom, and control, it fails to deliver on its potential. The lack of clarity, underdeveloped characters, and disjointed direction ultimately make it a frustrating experience that leaves more questions than answers.

Reviewed on 17 November 2024