EDINBURGH FRINGE: God Catcher

When it comes to Greek mythology I am totally ignorant. So I was way out of my comfort zone when I decided to take a look at this new work, featuring 11 actors from across Canada, the UK, Malta and beyond.

God Catcher reimagines the story of Arachne, the most talented weaver in all ancient Greece. According to the myth, she defeats the goddess Athena in a weaving challenge and is turned into a spider as punishment.

Because of my lack of knowledge I wasn’t sure what was going on until quite a way in, but from the onset I knew I was watching a huge talent in Yna Tresvalles, a 22-year-old from New Jersey, who is studying musical theatre in Glasgow. Another Lea Salonga, if every I saw one! From the moment she bursts onto the stage as Arachne, her joyous exuberance is a wonder to behold. She lights up the whole venue as she brings to life a young girl who, in the wake of her mother’s death, only strives to tell the truth and stand up for women (including goddesses) who have been abused by their male counterparts.

With catchy tunes like Don’t Shoot the Messenger, cheekily delivered by Colum Findlay as Hermes, and Elders Adam Makepeace, Mackenzie Thacker and Adrien Spencer, whose speaking in unison was most impressive, it’s a clever idea which deserves to be developed.

God Catcher is at the Underbelly, Bristo Square (Ermintrude) until Aug 28 at 16.55 (65 mins). www.underbellyedinburgh.co.uk