Venue: Old Fitzroy Theatre (Woolloomooloo NSW), Mar 7 – 22, 2025
Playwright: Gary Owen
Director: Lucy Clements
Cast: Meg Clarke
Images by Phil Erbacher
Theatre review
Living in the south of Cardiff is Effie, a young woman with no real purpose in life. After a chance encounter with a military veteran however, things begin to change. Iphigenia in Splott by Gary Owen deals with the underclass, paying specific attention to their relationship with public services. There are sections of the writing that can feel slightly diminishing of women’s experiences, but its plot is highly entertaining, and as a one-person show, its scope for performance is remarkably versatile, presenting a great opportunity for an actor to showcase their talent and range.
Meg Clarke takes on the challenging role with aplomb, completely astonishing with the depth and drama she brings to the stage. The emotions she offers are as intense as they are authentic, effortless at making Effie’s plight feel affecting from start to end. Clarke’s timing is perfectly honed, and the intricacy with which she breathes life into the text is simply awe-inspiring.
Direction by Lucy Clements keeps the show dynamic and engaging, with an urgency that ensures its message cuts through successfully. Production design by Angela Doherty provides just enough embellishment for the performer to shine. Luna Ng’s lights richly enhance the story with commendable imaginativeness, while Chrysoulla Markoulli’s sounds shift us through the many temperaments as we follow Effie’s misadventures. The wonderful rigour and cohesion of Ng and Markoulli add a valuable quality of transcendence, to the earthy explorations of Iphigenia in Splott.
The play demonstrates the wilful neglect of the powerless, as social infrastructures are allowed to erode in places like the UK. Intrinsic to prevailing capitalistic values, is a contempt for the poor. Although inhumane, we have learned to regard their misfortune as deserving, convincing ourselves that any person can easily pull themselves up by their bootstraps. The truth is that people’s circumstances are often beyond control, and the refusal to help those in need, can only mean that we are nothing more than monsters.
Suzy Goes See 