★★★1/2
Adelaide Fringe. Stevprodukt & The Garage International. 1 Mar 2023
The Camino de Santiago comprises long-distance pilgrimage walks through Spain. Originally they were pilgrims’ ways to the remains of the apostle St James in the cathedral of Santiago de Compostela, but now, invariably, they are walked by people from the world over working through their issues and seeking renewal. Middle-aged Aussie Steve Wilson is one of those and he has lovingly restored his adventures with a lively recollection and slide presentation. And like I hear from everyone else I’ve spoken to who have made tracks on the Camino, the scenery, the food, the walking, the challenge and especially the camaraderie of fellow travelers does indeed have rejuvenating powers.
Steve begins at the beginning with a few things gone haywire in his life and chooses trekking the Camino as the circuit breaker. He conveys the simple pleasures of a welcome hot coffee or a sandwich or finally finding a bunk to flop in. Dinners with new and re-met acquaintances look convivial and fun with friendship jumping out of the photos. Beach swims and rainstorms and wrong ways and blisters. Tapas and paella and glasses brimming with cheap but delicious red wine. Steve makes life-long mates. A few tips: don’t bunk next to the way to the loo, take stuff to salve your feet, and always say yes to an invitation.
Steve’s initial delivery was diminished by rehearsed excitement. He wasn’t authentic and he isn’t an actor, so who was he? But as the trail wore on, Steve easily revealed his good-natured soul, finding the best in any situation or person. The more intimate the friendship experience, the more interesting he got.
The photos are just happy snaps and each day’s travel is introduced with a plainly lettered slide stating Day 5 or whatever, the destination and kilometres. These title slides would benefit from a bit of spicing up. Plus 20 km days were typical, and two were over 50 km! I found this astonishing but Steve says you do what is right for you on the Camino. One fellow traveler had a colostomy bag and there were copious crap knees. Some took taxis over the boring bits.
Gentle Steve effectively and seductively takes you right along on the trail with him. If you’ve done the walk, you’ll love the talk. And if you haven’t, what are you waiting for? Steve will show you the way of St James.
David Grybowski
When: 28 Feb to 5 Mar
Where: The Garage International @ Adelaide Town Hall
Bookings: adelaidefringe.com.au
