Categories: Reviews

Adelaide Fringe: I Might Be Edgar Allan Poe

Dawson Nichols. Photo by Jennifer Stewart

Many theatregoers and literary inclined will be well aware of the works of Edgar Allan Poe. Most notably, The Raven and The Telltale Heart are considered classic pieces and are so high profile they’ve been referenced by The Simpsons – so it must be famous, right?

Dawson Nichols plays the protagonist, Joseph in this one person show. Joseph thinks he might be Edgar Allan Poe. He knows he isn’t, but he thinks he might – because how else would he know his works so well?

Throughout the piece Nichols embodies Joseph and the many people he comes into contact with, as well as presenting Poe’s key pieces as mini theatrical performances within the theatrical performance.

The mentioned “famous” pieces are particularly well presented and so engrossing, providing a direct connection between audience and these famous words and gothic themes.

Nichols is a diverse and talented performer. He is as comfortable on stage as the timid Joseph as he is a demon, casting imposing shadows on a dark stage. The physicality of each embodiment and the use of voice to impose or retreat as required is exciting and audiences learn a bit more about Poe’s life and works along the way without the “lecture” feeling (unless intended).

A powerhouse performance at The Bakehouse that is intriguing and satisfying for literature and theatre lovers alike.

Hayley Horton

Hayley was an arts worker in South Australia for twelve years working freelance for small to medium clients as well as for companies such as the Adelaide Symphony Orchestra, State Theatre Company SA, Urban Myth Theatre of Youth and the Australia Business Arts Foundation. As part of her freelance work, Hayley founded the ATG Curtain Call Awards (which is now an annual gala event), co-produced three 24 Hour Show charity fundraiser events, has judged for the Adelaide Fringe Festival and reviewed for Aussie Theatre and the Adelaide Theatre Guide. Hayley now runs a boutique events and arts management business, Footlight Events and in her spare time, is involved with Adelaide’s amateur theatre community as a producer, performer and director.