The Lowry Theatre, Salford Quays – until 14 August 2021
5*****
Reviewed by Sal E Marino
A very warm and covid-friendly welcome greeted us at the Lowry for the performance of Anna X. Brilliantly written by Joseph Charlton and fantastically directed by Daniel Raggett, this modern and new innovative drama makes one question: is the measure of who we are what we do with what we have or does what we create come from who we are – our roots? In the case of Anna and after eighty-five minutes of a highly thought-provoking sensory experience, I really can’t answer those questions because she still remains an enigma and this is why I can’t stop thinking about her a day on!
Anna X could be classed as the ‘quieter’ sibling of the popular TV character Villanelle because although she doesn’t commit any murders she is: devious, cunning, attractive in a kooky and quirky manner but also a master at reinventing herself into a fictitious character. Based around the story of Anna Sorokin (an-up-and- coming Netflix / HBO series about a Russian-born German con artist who made millions out of tricking wealthy socialites), Anna X lets the audience into her mind and shows one how easy it is change your status and income potential by networking and using social media as your platform and ‘playground’.
Emma Corrin brings Anna’s raw hunger for ‘wanting it all’ to life, as she talks us through her first visit to New York City and lays out all the possibilities and dreams- come-true one can have there (that’s if you’re clever and brave enough to spot opportunities and grab them!). One of those ‘opportunities’ comes in the form of Ariel (Nabhaan Rizwan), who although is an extremely rich and successful dating app entrepreneur, appears bored with life and wants something or someone different and unique to give him an authentic buzz that money or a drug fuelled nightlife seemingly can’t – but Anna can!
This play is edgy, fast-paced and inventive and takes you into the underbelly of New York and into the pseudo worlds of fashion, art and quick, hard cash through a mesmerising set of screens. So cleverly created by Mikaela Liakata and Tal Yarden, the aforementioned set was a myriad of images – some moving and some interactive that really immersed you into the narrative on a deeper level, instantly giving you the vibe and essence of a place or mood without further explanation. I’m sure this will be how many sets are translated onto the stage in the future! Complementing the highly-stimulating multimedia arrangement and Corrin and Rizwan’s characters was Mike Winship’s continuous electro-techno and downtempo beats that just gave the right energy at the right time – so creating the perfect ambience for that moment.
Fresh, captivating and very cool – Anna X, like Anna herself, is fascinating and leaves you wanting to know more!