EDINBURGH FRINGE: Agadez and Antonio Forcione: Queendoms Unplugged at the Assembly Roxy*****

If this site was called ukmusicnetwork.com this would be a music review.

But it’s not and, besides, there is so much more to Queendoms Unplugged than just music.

It’s a theatrical event, with singer, songwriter and composer Agadez, often bathed in purple light, weaving a web of stories which go back to the beginning of time.

Agadez is passionate about archaic feminine cults, mythology and sharmanism. But if you think you’re going to be indoctrinated, well perhaps you will be bewitched by the songs she sings about ancient goddesses, against primeval beats; music which is both mystical and magical, and hauntingly beautiful!

And it is, at times, almost hypnotic, so I was not surprised to learn that she composed Queendoms with the intention to induce ‘trance’, starting with voice and frame drums. 

In this new version, however, multi-award-winning guitarist Antonio Forcione uses his instrument as a shaman uses his drum, rearranging their live performances as rituals. 

Backed by various drums, a cello, and with wind chimes swaying, Agadez, Forcione and their backing musicians are mesmerising, with Forcione’s rhythmic acoustic guitar playing adding another dimension to this celebration of womanhood and the earth.

As a footnote, Agadez is the pseudonym for Italian film director, screenwriter and actress Giada Colagrande, who also happens to be married to Hollywood actor Willem Dafoe. But this production is purely Agadez.

Antonio Forcione can also be seen in his own show, Sketches of the World, at Assembly Rooms (Drawing Room) George Street, until Aug 24 at 6.35pm (1 hr)

Queendoms Unplugged is at 8.35pm at the Assembly Roxy, Roxburgh Place, until Aug 24 (1 hr)

www.assemblyfestival.com