There's no doubt in my mind that the audience were left in awe of the performance, it was radical and some may say its to be expected from director Calixto Bieito, writes Esther Msimanga

When I heard of the incorporation of Shakespeare's As you like it's forest of Arden, Macbeth's Birnan Woods and King Lear's cliffs of Dover my assumptions were that of three different acts but it was far from it. The Forests were one and intertwined together in a bewildering manner.

What caught one's eye when they entered was The stage was captivating, it was minimalistic yet powerful. The stage was square, the walls white and in the middle was a single tree without leaves. This may have not been uncanny as you would imagine Shakespeare's Forests was it not for the amazing lighting by Tim Mitchell. The stage was mainly dark except for the rays of light that shown through, the effects were impressive and gave anticipation of the wickedness to follow. 

On stage was also Maika Makovski who provided the sound effects and music. Maika was dressed unlike the others, she came across very contemporary. Makovski's musical talents were amazing as she played the keyboard, sang, played the guitar and violin.  Makovski does not come from an acting background however Bieito incorporated her into the play as well, which was ingenious and not expected. Through her music she expressed the feeling of the cast through each scene.

The play was both in Catalan and English and there were subtiltles provided on the screens towards the end of the stage. The cast spoke with such passion and most impressive in her ability to switch between languages so fluently was Roser Cami. Roser's presence was very strong and left one in awe.

As to be expected in a Shakespearan influenced play, there was a lot of meta theatre; Christopher Simpson was in a dress, heels and wig for most of the play. One couldn't help but notice how great he looked in a dress. George Costogan was in a beautiful pair of heels,  Katy Stephens was dressed in a suit in some scenes and Hayley Carmichael brought the comical effect to the play.

Joseph Maria Pou had a scene where he recorded his voice and replayed it and it came in an echo that definitely set the scene the darkness that engulfed the play.

Like most Shakespearan's plays there was happiness in the end. The lights were brightened and the tree was filled with red ballons and the cast were in jubilation.

One can not help but be intrigued by the adaptation, definitely not what one would expect. A definite must see....
 

Forests at the Old Rep, Birmingham, is running until September 15.