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Starting Point : Zero
Director - Benno Plassmann
Company - The Working Party
Venue - The Arches www.thearches.co.uk
New entrance at
253 Argyll St
0901 022 0300
The Arches which has clubs, music, exhibitions as well as theatre has
been given a make over and there's more to see and eat. Further info
about Arches & their company
Dates
and Times : 7 & 8 Nov at 8.15pm (60 mins), £5 / £3
* £6/£4 combined ticket deal for 2 events on same night
Previous Dates - May 2002 in Edinburgh & Glasgow
Reviewer - Annabel Ingram
Each performance unique
In this country we usually only see improvisation in comedy. The Working
Party have been working together for two years on the teachings/inspiration
of John Cage's theories on improvisation. The result seen tonight in Edinburgh,
and in Glasgow over this weekend, is an exploration of the technique of
improvisation. Each performance will of course by its very nature be unique.
This combination of music, performance, singing and Foley techniques
combined into a uniquely absorbing and enchanting piece. The story of
love and loss unfolded slowly at first but lifted once the performers
had found their characters and the narrative was able to begin.
There were beautiful moments with a rose, which disintegrated in the
most stylish way imaginable, balloons as instruments of aural torture,
comedia del arte masks, and music and movement synthesised as pure poetry.
Aside from the entrancing performances of Pip Hill and Nino Racco I was
particularly impressed by Mairi Campbell's haunting singing adding a timeless
celtic voice to the proceedings. Michael Mackinnon as Foley artist was
also appreciated with his witty responses to the action unfolding on stage.
Although the story took a little time to emerge, I was very impressed
by this talented and innovative company. I do however remain somewhat
uneasy with the production of technique-based theatre. In my opinion,
technique, like technology, should facilitate our lives and our art, not
dictate them.
© Annabel Ingram 17 May 2002
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