A modern retelling of a classic Greek Myth underscored by electronic hip-hop? Say less, I’m sat.
Following its sold out run at the Edinburgh Fringe last year, Wonder Fools have taken ‘Òran’ on tour, stopping at Aberdeen’s Lemon Tree on Wednesday. Retelling the Greek Myth of Orpheus, through a beautiful blend of spoken word, lyrical storytelling and electronic live score, this production truly captivates and pulls you into the depths of its underworld.
Writer Owen Sutcliffe has created a living, breathing theatre-poem. Drawing on his background in hip-hop and his gift for poetry, Sutcliffe crafts a retelling that feels both fresh and deeply relevant. His lyrics are vivid and cinematic, bouncing off the rhythms of the production’s score and propelling the narrative forward with each descent into the underworld. And god, it’s good to hear a Scottish voice taking up space onstage.
Jack Nurse’s direction marries every element of Òran with precision, shaping a production that bites, pulls you in, and refuses to let go. From the vivid visuals and immersive lighting to the pulsating score and Robbie Gordon’s commanding performance, Nurse ensures that every aspect of the show works in service of the story. Though we know the tale of Orpheus, his direction keeps us firmly rooted with Òran, sharing in his hope, his desperation, and his relentless drive to rescue his friend.
Robbie Gordon’s performance is potent and commanding, holding the audience in the palm of his hand as we journey, circle by circle, into the depths of hell. Along the way, his Òran unearths forgotten memories and hidden truths about his relationships with family, friends, and the digital world. All the while, he seems to operate the sound himself, cueing every musical layer, thrum, and hum that underpins the world of the piece. Gordon balances charisma, vulnerability, and determination with remarkable ease, delivering a performance that truly packs a punch. Supported by warped vocals and striking red lighting, he transforms seamlessly into Hades, contorting his body with terrific physicality to conjure a dialogue between the two personas within himself.
Music plays a huge role in shaping this production, underscoring our entire journey with Òran. Owen Sutcliffe, VanIves and Ben Deans’ soundscape moves fluidly from haunting laments to electric beats, building an intensity that both invigorates and soothes. It’s a score that doesn’t just accompany the action, it breathes with it; amplifying every pulse, every descent, and every flicker of hope that drives the story forward.
Both Lighting and Video work in perfect tandem within this production, making this mythic narrative feel immediate and immersive. Heather Scott’s visuals shimmer across the glossy stage floor, creating mirrored reflections that intensify every haunting image, from warped faces of the dead to ghostly haze, seamlessly enhancing the poetic, cinematic style of the piece. Meanwhile, Benny Goodman’s lighting shapes the emotional landscape with precision: vivid, saturated colours mark moments of intensity, while deep shadows carve out the underworld and mirror Òran’s inner turmoil and guilt.
Òran is a delicious visual and audible feast for its audience. Taking them on a journey to the depths with stimulating rhythms, provocative storytelling and limitless energy.
Discover when Òran is coming to a stage near you – ‘shitebag if you dinnae!’
Find your nearest performance and upcoming dates here: https://www.wonderfools.org/projects/oran/
Theatre Scotland 
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