
TARO
written and directed by Ross McGregor
produced by Arrows & Traps Theatre
Paris, 1935. Gerda Taro a young German refugee, meets Endre Friedmann, a young Hungarian in exile. Both are artists, Jews and nonconformists. Drawn to each other by a shared fervour for photography, they create a persona in order to better sell their work – and so the legendary Robert Capa is born.
But alongside their love of art, abides a fierce dedication to justice. Putting everything at risk, they travel to Spain to document the brutal turmoil of the Civil War. Here, in the midst of the peril and chaos, a romance for the ages is born.
Thirteen-time Off West End Award Nominated Arrows & Traps Theatre return to the Jack after their sold-out run of Dracula, with a five-week season of two brand new historical plays about a pair of remarkable female pioneers, performed in repertory by a single cast.
Press for TARO
McGregor tells the story with a typically remarkable precision in this fast paced and kaleidoscope production. He is aided by his Arrows and Traps’ company who put in a remarkable ensemble performance. It seems invidious to highlight individual performances but Cornelia Baumann and Tom Hartill put in electrifying work at the heart of the piece. I urge you to see it. ★★★★★ London Pub Theatres
Ross McGregor’s spellbinding biopic is visceral, delectable, and true… Taro joins physical theatre legends Gecko and Frantic Assembly in its ability to thrill and engage its audience. Packed with sentimentality and warmth, Gerda Taro’s legacy is one to be remembered for generations to come. ★★★★★ The Upcoming
Arrows & Traps’ Taro is visually and emotionally stunning… Just sublime. ★★★★★ Fairy Powered Productions
A visually stunning portrait of the life of a brave and endearing woman… There are moments in the performance which are simply beautiful. There is strong use of light to capture image, a tremendously clever visualisation in a play about a photographer, and the choreography of the actors is enough reason, on its own, to purchase a ticket to this show. ★★★★ Everything Theatre
Taro is a tempestuous story about passion, ambition and emancipation that holds your attention and even moves you to tears. Gutsy and bold, Taro is a play which deserves wider exposure. ★★★★ Stage Review
An incredible life honoured by a gorgeous, goosebump-inducing production – you really don’t want to miss this one. Theatre Things
all the parts of the play shift, re-coalesce and come back into focus for a deeply affecting and beautifully considered final scene that leaves you in no doubt as to how personal this story is. A beautiful tribute to a historical figure we have sorely neglected. There Ought to be Clowns
an enthralling performance that keeps us glued to their every move. Like a well oiled machine, cast members unite to give Gerda the pioneering recognition she deserves, all possible in this production, Taro, due to the superb writing and direction of Ross McGregor. One to see – in a heart beat. Southwark News
This repertory season by the versatile and innovative Arrow & Traps company is well worth catching for their daring and commitment alone – hence the four stars. In staging these plays about two women most people have probably never heard of, women before their time, they have come up with intriguing, topical theatre ★★★★ ReviewsGate
Creative Team
Written and Directed by Ross McGregor
Movement Direction: Matthew Parker
Mime Practitioner: Will Pinchin
Assistant Director: Ed Hill
Lighting Design: Ben Jacobs
Sound Design: Alistair Lax
Designer: Odin Corie
Cast
Cornelia Baumann, Tom Hartill, Lucy Ioannou, Laurel Marks, Alex Stevens, Hannah Victory, Beatrice Vincent, Toby Wynn-Davies