Volcano, Vagina Dentata

Review in Issue 8-2 | Summer 1996

Volcano are fast becoming one of Britain's most popular physical theatre companies, as the skirmish at the box office for the last three tickets confirmed. Their growing reputation is deserved, but Vagina Dentata is not as fully satisfying as some of their previous productions. On an over large, under-used set comprised of twin beds and a windowed wall, three women explore sexuality in a fast and furious montage of movement and text. But sometimes the movement seems more imposed than integrated; sometimes the content puzzles rather than intrigues and sometimes the focus is frustratingly split. However, these moments are few and far between and do not infringe on the overall stylistic effect, and the resulting show is exciting, exuberant, energetic, erotic and entertaining. There is no apparent narrative, no clear characterisations, no obvious developments, nothing to presume or predict – but, as with other Volcano shows, it does have energy which catapults right off the stage and hits the audience full on the chest, leaving the unprepared in a state of shock, unable to coherently assemble their thoughts until they've downed a pint or two. It is this energy which makes them so popular on the small scale and will keep their audiences coming back for more. Do catch them if you can.

Presenting Artists
Presenting Venue
Date Seen
  1. Mar 1996

This article in the magazine

Issue 8-2
p. 23