Erika. Reflections on a New Era is a well-intentioned production, but unfortunately one in which everyone involved proves well out of their depth. It is quickly clear Enebro Teatro have given themselves far too much to do, and are ill equipped to tackle subjects as complex and diverse as the refugee crisis, the legacy of Franco in Spain and the reappearance of fascism in Europe. They shouldn’t have tried.
The story concerns Adrian, a young man on the cusp of joining the Spanish army, who is torn between the fascist views of his landlady Erika (who is possibly also a relative – the story is often unclear) and a burgeoning friendship with Syrian refugee Khalil, who is auditioning for drama school. Unsurprisingly, good wins out, and Adrian abruptly throws off the indoctrination of Erika to embrace art and enlightened views.
The cast and writing are clearly well-meaning, but the story entirely fails to do its challenging themes justice. Erika appears to be a Jewish neo-Nazi who both mourns relatives murdered in the concentration camps and reveres Hitler, emblematic of the script’s confusion and occasional unintentional offensiveness. The acting doesn’t convince, despite some impressive – if somewhat randomly applied – gymnastics. Erika. Reflections on a New Era is an ill-advised misstep.
Performed at Surgeons’ Hall on 14 August as part of the Edinburgh Fringe
07-21 August (not 16), 18:20
Running time: 50 minutes, no interval
Created and performed by Enebro Teatro