Presented by Omnibus Theatre and Collide Theatre, The Woman Who Turned into a Tree is an examination into external validation and the pressures placed on a young woman in today’s age. As a woman rhythmically sways in a dark, grungy club, an identically dressed woman enters the stage and the two watch each other intently. Daphne, as she introduces herself, is an ambitious event organiser fuelled by a need to fulfil this fantastical self-idealisation she constructed. Gradually, a force takes over and guides her towards freedom and finding peace in herself, as she metaphorically transforms into a tree.
Her battle between different self-concepts is visually represented through the two versions of Daphne. Bathsheba Piepe conveys Daphne’s wide-eyed furious desperation, sinuously moving between different states of panic and excitement. The dialogue is mostly oriented around Daphne’s interactions with others, driven by an obsession with the glimpses of her perfect self that she sees in others’ eyes. Lisa Langseth’s writing eloquently captures the pain and detail of searching for yourself through others and the torment related to self-identity. Ioli Filippakopoulou’s movements and humming signify an earthy, intuitive force opposing the other Daphne’s erratic, controlled nature.
Emily Louizou’s direction was emotionally sharp but stronger direction was needed in terms of pacing and with some of the movement scenes. Daphne’s character could have been more charming and self-assured at the beginning so that her image’s decay is even more drastic.
With excellent symbolism in the writing, the set designed by Ioana Curelea is just as evocative. It feels like a nightmare-ish bedroom with slurs and self-affirmations across the surfaces, and the black vinyl walls emulating the club also create a claustrophobic feeling. I particularly liked the use of the wardrobe, as she dressed herself to create an image but would hide inside it.
Langseth mirrors the increasing importance of marketing yourself and being admired to be successful and safe in an increasingly image conscious world.
Running until 22nd April, https://www.omnibus-clapham.org/the-woman-who-turned-into-a-tree/
Reviewer: Riana Howarth
Reviewed: 6th April 2023
North West End UK Rating: ★★★