i.e.: The Monkey's Guide to Deicide

The Monkey's Guide to Deicide

i.e.

Who would win in a fight?  A mighty celestial pantheon ruled by the all-powerful lords of creation?  ...or a macaque with an attitude problem and an electric guitar?

A story of destiny and divinity, power and privilege, authority and anarchy, inspired by the classic Chinese legend of the Monkey King.

Review by Jo Fisher 28/06/2024

What would happen if a primate took on the Gods at their own game? i.e. have the answer to this rather obscure (but valid!) question. They’re exploring power, myth, mortality, religion and humanity in their retelling of a very ancient legend, which sees a humble macaque monkey rebelling against expectations.

The Monkey’s Guide to Deicide is a show with true home-grown Fringe style. Playfulness comes to us in abundance in the form of a multitude of creative storytelling techniques, from song and puppetry to masks and carefully chosen voiceovers from nature documentaries.

Those without prior knowledge of the myth referenced in the blurb – I include myself in this category (sorry i.e.!) – have nothing to fear. You don’t need to be familiar with the original tale to enjoy this unruly version, which celebrates all things mutinous, and explores who might really be to blame for this turbulent and damaged world in which we live.

The songs that pepper the performance are a highlight, with their witty and well-observed lyrics, alongside utterly charming shadow puppetry.

I am sure that if macaques could wear clothes, a rock ‘n’ roll leather jacket would absolutely be a staple in their wardrobe. They are, it transpires through this performance, the James Dean of the animal world; a rebel with claws. This is an enjoyable and entertaining show that playfully takes on the human, animal and underworlds.