Folklorica is a piece of new writing, weaving together a number of threads which if I were to list, would feel ambitious. Using a folk tale and folk dance, the story follows a young female protagonist who begins in an exploitative factory, and through connecting with her history and the magic of historical practices, overcomes personal challenges to take control of her own life.
She is supported in her journey by 4 women who later become goddesses, as well as a healer of sorts — all of whom help her against the single male character, who represents misogyny and capitalism and all things bad. This sounds simplistic but as an allegory works quite effectively. I did wonder whether 4 women were needed, could two or three have worked? Yet the balance of this group and their impact on the story was clear — so it is difficult to critique.
I would have liked to see some further development stylistically — the production could use a stronger directorial hand, and the script can lean even further into this creative world — however on the whole it was an interesting and engaging evening, and a piece worthy of further development.