Red Light District – Georg Büchner’s Woyzeck

The enterprising little company Red Light District takes on big projects. Their latest offering is a circus treatment of Georg Büchner’s Woyzeck.

The fine translation of this important early 19th century play, was done by director Ted Witzel and Johanna Schall. Schall is the grand-daughter of Bertolt Brecht, so theatrical lineage doesn’t come any finer. Although the young actors are not perfect in diction, the play is an impressive effort.

The story is about a soldier who kills his mistress and is executed for the crime. The play shows the contributing factors leading to this murder.

Choreographer Brian Solomon has worked with director Witzel to turn this production into physical theatre, but there is no build up of sympathy for Woyzeck because there is just too much going on in terms of stage business.

On the other hand, the production is ambitious and worthy. Witzel just has to find some moderation.

Woyzeck continues at the Lower Ossington Theatre until Jun. 19.

Woyzeck
Red Light District
Written by Georg Büchner (translated by Johanna Schall and Ted Witzel
Directed by Ted Witzel
Starring Reid Linforth. Lauren Gillis, Eve Wylden, Marcel Dragonieri, Brandon Hackett, Mike MacKinnon, Julian Dezotti and Whitney Ross-Barris
Lower Ossington Theatre, Jun. 2 to 19, 2010