Democrazy ***

These are troubling times. Globally, it seems that conflict and general fractiousness are on the rise, irrespective of your political viewpoint. The philosopher Santayana observed that those who fail to heed the lessons of history are condemned to repeat them.

The Italian company Action Theatre brings Democrazy to Edinburgh Fringe, leaning into the traditions of Commedia dell'Arte, with its use of half masks, musical duets and physical comedy. They remind us that democracy is fragile. Take it for granted, or fail to erect adequate safeguards, and chancers, charlatans and criminals will exploit state resources for personal gain.

Joseph (Edoardo Vanoni) is holidaying in paradise. It’s a tropical beach, blue sea, sunny skies and people bringing him drinks. During a day’s cycling excursion, however, he becomes lost and knocks on the door of the only home for miles around. While welcomed in, the strange behaviour of the inhabitant (Denis Haugh) unsettles him. Joesph’s causal statement that he is not interested in politics as “all politicians are the same” abruptly changes the mood.

It transpires that he was a former teacher, but now reclusively living in the hills making Balinese masks. He had imprisoned for many years and has had his passport confiscated. His crime? He had taught his schoolchildren seemingly harmless lessons about democracy and society that were at odds with the government of the day.

From here, autocrats and dictators are put under the microscope. A king obsessed with decapitating citizens brings to mind the Queen of Hearts from Alice’s Adventures In Wonderland. At the heart of the production, though, is ‘Richard Tator’ (Dick-tator of course), who manipulates democratic processes, places sycophantic aides in key positions and plunders the state’s resources for personal gain.

Vanoni and Haugh are excellent performers. They have honed comic timing and have easy natural chemistry. The audience interaction is well judged and their clowning and physical theatre are highly accomplished. There is a simplistic aspect to the show, which does jar slightly and one or two points are a little laboured, but these are minor reservations that take nothing away from an interesting and very enjoyable hour’s Fringe.

The production provides an examination of populism and despotism. There are thinly veiled references to Trump and Putin, but the dangers alluded to are truly global. Faith in political process is declining among younger demographics, institutional backsliding and political polarisation are increasingly evident. Santayana had a point.

Yulia Navalnaya – widow of Alexei Navalny - attended Edinburgh Fringe this year. Navalny was a political activist, whose death two years ago in a Russian prison is widely regarded as politically motivated. Democrazy is, in part, a tribute to him, providing the most poignant moment in this production.