An hour watching three non-speaking actors manipulate some eight simple marionettes to an energetic score may not push every fringe goers button; the physical theatre of Etcetera from K3, however, has to be one of the most exciting and powerful pieces of theatre around this Fringe.

Drawing on Poland's great tradition of avant-garde experimentalism, K3 give as comprehensive a critique of late-capitalism's one-dimensional existence as is likely to be found outside the work of the late Herbert Marcuse. This is theory very much in action, however, as the energetic and talented cast pump up the volume of their work, demonstrating the casual cruelties daily inflicted on us, the unsuspecting.

It feels almost presumptuous, as well as in a sense irrelevant to attempt description of Etcetera, which is very much a production to be experienced rather than glibly described. This is high-octane, high quality work which requires no puff or plaudit - in the ephemeral space in which theatrical excellence exists it does simply that, in no way asking to be seen but nonetheless demanding that we do so. It's rare, in the high-pressure, high-selling environment which the largest production Trade Show in the world has become, to encounter honest craftspersons, faithful to the spirit of their calling. This is one such encounter well worth experiencing.

Time: August 1-24, 13.10
Copyright Bill Dunlop August 2008.
Published on EdinburghGuide.com August 2008