Arts & Culture
Review: The Unbinding at Shoebox Theatre

Lets be clear: I do not tolerate horror well, at all.

As soon as The Unbinding began the audience were introduced to four women cloaked in The Ring-style gowns, and immediately I thought “shit” and contemplated making a run for the exit.

I was delighted to find that The Unbinding was not so much terrifying, just more… disturbing. And, for good reason.

The Unbinding, created by Wrong Shoes Theatre Company, follows the story of four women. Accused of witchcraft, they are persecuted and imprisoned by contorted accusations and prejudice.

Throughout the performance there was also a consistent and underlying current of allegorical representations, which I could not ignore.

Based on real life stories of women believed to be witches not only are the group faced with betrayal and situations beyond their control, they are also embodiments of how women throughout time have been typecast and disregarded by society.

As a result, The Unbinding is inherently thought-provoking and sophisticated.

Luke Marquez, Director of Wrong Shoes Theatre Company, explained: “By researching and working with historical accounts of witch trials through Europe, we have created a piece that explores a world where those who dare to stand out from the crowd are treated with hatred and suspicion.”

Supporting the four bold performances was Gary Bamford’s eerie and ominous compositions. Striking and morbid, the music paralleled the women’s unjust and often traumatising experiences. On cue with Bamford’s score was a powerful and fierce use of both lighting and cutting of scenes (some of which viewers may find quite distressing).

Luke added: “Due to its content, the show may be uncomfortable watching for some. But after what thousands of women and men went through doing the witch trials we wanted to stay true to their experiences and also explore the folklore that surrounded their persecution.”

Despite the often sinister occurrences within the narrative, The Unbinding is not all doom and gloom. Engaging with timeless motifs, the women, played by Rebecca Martin, Daniella Faircloth, Louise Catherwood and Hannah Marquez, depict female relationships through strength, unity and bravery.

For their next set of trials and tribulations, Wrong Shoes Theatre Company are preparing to take The Unbinding to Edinburgh’s fringe next year. I could not recommend you see this enough.

  • Review: The Unbinding at Shoebox Theatre
  • Review: The Unbinding at Shoebox Theatre
  • Review: The Unbinding at Shoebox Theatre