~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Last of the Red-Hot Dadas

by Kerry Reid

Review in the Herald, Scotland (August 19, 2003)
Home / Now Playing & Coming Soon / Back to Media List / To email us

As soon as the lights went down and I heard her shrieking and cackling in the damp air of the caves I had a dreadful feeling the show was going to be a disaster. I just wasn't prepared for how painfully tragic the Last of the Red Hot Dadas would be.

The piece is based on the true story of Baroness Elsa von Freytag-Loringhoven. Known as the mama of the New York Dadaist movement, she was America's first performance artist, a poet and well recognized for her sculpture and collection of outrageous costumes.

Clad in a kilt, red satin bra, and rainbow spotted wig, Christina Augello strutted and squeaked under the red lights, playing master to her props. With stamps stuck to her cheeks and forks strung around her neck, she has come to recall her life story. Sitting like a washed-up tramp on a bench; the grating German accent allows no peace as she blethers on.

One cannot even feel sorry for her as she discusses her crude sexual exploits, and many men and marriages. I went trying to keep an open mind about what could have been a highly comical performance. Unfortunately, I wish I hadn't. If you go, it will be the longest 50 minutes of your life. (Louisa McEwan)

Home / Now Playing & Coming Soon / Back to Media List / To email us