This is an innovative and engaging piece of devised
work. While there are many non-narrative threads that are challenging to
understand at first sight, the power of the piece to communicate resides in its
energy and sense of direction, even though there is very little dialogue. The
ensemble worked together extremely well and produced a powerful and concentrated performance, even though
there were moments where the non-narrative framework might have left an
audience unsure about the direction of the piece.
Opening Lights
up. Ensemble making effective use of
performance space and creating varying levels on the sets of stairs. Two sets
of stairs represent the two sides of the sculpture used for the stimulus.
A very effective non-verbal, highly physical opening. A very strong sense of ensemble working. The
soundscape is effective in creating atmosphere and the lighting is well
handled.
1’30” Non-naturalistic dialogue begins. Overlapping statements. Candidate 3 plays forward with light then runs
upstairs. Music box.
2’40” Show image of Candidate 1 and Candidate 2 trapped in confinement below stairs.
3'40" Candidate 1 and Candidate 2 burst from confinement. Flashing lights are a little overdone. Ushers in new section at 4'10".
4'10" Recorded voices: 'we are here for you','sleep tight', leading to very effective use of long cloths.
5'20" The bell chimes to delineate a new section. Three performers each spaced equally to mark the edge of the playing space. Excellence move from floor bound to physical movement.
6'20" Choice of a 30-second blast of Working 9 till 5 would not be immediately obvious to an audience at this point but overall energy level was clear.
7'05" Use of sets of stairs was very effective. Repeated flashing lines wee a little overdone. This section is less powerful and has a less of a sense of direction than the preceding sections.
9'30" Reprise of working 9 till 5, interesting light choice - bell sounds again.
9'50" Teaching session - 'we are going to do some reading'.
10'50" Triggered by use of the word 'aeroplane. Close ensemble with interesting underscore and renewed sense of pace and energy. Sets of stairs close in at 11'40" and a new sense of confinement is created. This is not efficacious in confining the performers and there is a further powerful sense of captivity culminating in Candidate 3 shouting 'don't exist','you're not real'.
13'05 Candidate 3 is alone on the stairs. Lights fade. Ensemble groups at the top of the stairs, with single lamp. Blackout.
