Theatre dispatch

TRUE to its reputation for inventiveness, Dalston’s Arcola Theatre is currently playing host to two ambitious plays: Dr Korczak’s Example and A Lament for Medea.

The former is based on the true story of Dr Janusz Korczak, a Polish-Jewish paediatrician and children’s author. During the Second World War, Korczak ran an orphanage for Jewish children – an institution that functioned as a sort of “children’s republic” with its own parliament, court and newspaper.

The play, by the prolific and politically engaged playwright David Grieg, is brilliantly directed by Amy Leach, who uses poignant symbols to tell this story of idealism in the face of catastrophe.

A Lament for Medea, meanwhile, promises an unusual night out at the theatre. The play, about the obsessions and memories of a group of women, will involve audiences getting their feet wet – literally.

The stage has been flooded, intentionally, of course, making for an “intimate barefooted experience”.

While this critic cannot pass judgement at this stage, having yet to see the production, the concept certainly sounds intriguing. Expect a review on this site soon.