In it, Edgard plays the part of a man steeped in faith who thinks that his conviction alone will keep him from giving in to the temptations set for him by his flesh. His character is a pastor or some sort of cleric. One that leads a congregation. Throughout the production, we are made aware that despite this position, he is not without faults. Faults that are at odds with the requirements of his faith. Suffice it say, Edgard is convincing in his performance, embodying the part naturally as though he were performing from his own experience.
I was particularly intrigued by how seamlessly he transitioned from one character into an entirely different one as he moved from one poem to another. One would think that he was reciting an epic as opposed to various poems strung together. Because of its content, the show did get rather intense in some moments. At one point, Edgard takes on the character of Lucifer- otherwise known as the devil and because of this fact, the performance by other poets manages to balance it out.
Though he was the dominant character, Edgard was joined in the performance by other poets and performers. The Absurd Gentlemen ─a group I’d personally love to watch perform again; they are clearly in synchronicity with one another─ delivered a stellar performance that elicited chuckles out of some audience members. Bint’s performance was in stark contrast to the theme of Edgard’s struggle and highlighted the fact that even within the same community, there exist contradictory beliefs and people choose differently: where Edgard fights the temptation, Bint leans into it.
In keeping with tradition, at the culmination of the show, the audience members were asked to give feedback and their opinions on the show. The majority of the feedback given was positive, most of it was cordial, like the polite slap on the back for a job well done. Some audience members, however, described it as being ‘too preachy’; I thought so too at first then re-thought my opinion. After all, the theme of the show is derived from Galatians 5:17, For the flesh lusts against the spirit and the spirit against the flesh
The show may not have elicited the same reactions from everyone, but therein lies the point of art; to deliver the message. Perception differs with the individual. Edgard is a poet to watch.