What I liked
Moving on to the positive aspects of the show, I’d like to start with a very delicate and interesting detail: upon entering, each audience member received a folded sheet of paper that included a single white feather. This feather served as a beautiful piece of foreshadowing for the ending, when feathers descended from above, extending the symbolism and impact of the performance beyond the stage and into the hands of the audience before the show even began. This was such a wonderful touch! When the show began, there was a single chime that one of the performers brought out. When they struck it, the sound resonated beautifully, creating a moment of silence that drew everyone’s attention and set the stage for what was about to begin.I also want to highlight the intricate and refined choreography, which clearly took a great deal of time and effort to perfect. Given that “Gabriliad” is a satirical take on biblical stories, the choreography seemed to echo the complexity and intertwining nature of the story, almost like the one of the serpent from the garden of Eden, with every movement flowing seamlessly into the next. The pacing of the show was also incredibly well-balanced, with the actors smoothly picking up cues from one another, maintaining a rhythm that is so crucial for a poetic piece like “Gabriliad.” It was also fascinating to see how the final scene mirrored the very first mise-en-scene, bringing everything full circle. Overall, the choreography, the use of subtle symbolic gestures—reminiscent of Greek mythology– were all executed at a very high level of artistic mastery.
What I didn't like
I’d like to start by saying that the production felt wonderfully mobile, which is a great advantage for performing in various settings. However, I do think that more creative lighting choices could have enhanced the overall effect, as lighting is such a powerful tool on stage and could add even more depth to a symbolic piece like this. Additionally, the sudden introduction of a pre-recorded rock-style song felt a bit jarring, especially since the rest of the music was performed live. It might have been more cohesive either to prepare the audience for that shift or to replace that moment with a live choir or a more intense live musical piece. Lastly, I would consider using asymmetrical set design more often, simply to add another dimension and enhance visual storytelling without over complicating the experience.
My overall impression
A few days ago, I attended “Gabriliad” that left me with a very positive impression. I particularly appreciated the lightness of the production and how seamlessly and timely the music was incorporated. There wasn’t an overabundance of it, but each musical accent was perfectly placed and added a special touch to the overall atmosphere. The set design was minimalistic yet used effectively, allowing the actors to fully express the essence of the play. I was especially impressed by how the spirit of youthful rebellion, reminiscent of the young Pushkin, was conveyed through innovative, avant-garde choices, as well as the use of physical expression and metaphysical elements. Overall, it was a well-thought-out and subtly humorous performance that left a lasting impression.
