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You can view this wordless King Lear as a easy experiment. Are you able to inform the story of Shakespeare’s well-known tragedy utilizing gestures alone? That, nevertheless, can be doing Director Tang Shu-wing and his NonVerbal Theatre of Gesture a disservice. Firstly, the reply is unsurprisingly no, probably not, however secondly, it quickly turns into clear that Shu-wing has little interest in something as conventional as narrative. The place he takes us, you don’t want phrases. You don’t want very a lot in any respect. This unapologetically minimalist bodily tackle Lear, offered on a largely empty stage, is stylised, contemplative, calm, gradual and measured.…
Score
Wonderful
Slicing ALL of Shakespeare’s dialogue means that is far out of your conventional King Lear. Some might battle with it, however others will discover it a vastly satisfying piece of nonverbal theatre.
You can view this wordless King Lear as a easy experiment. Are you able to inform the story of Shakespeare’s well-known tragedy utilizing gestures alone? That, nevertheless, can be doing Director Tang Shu-wing and his NonVerbal Theatre of Gesture a disservice. Firstly, the reply is unsurprisingly no, probably not, however secondly, it quickly turns into clear that Shu-wing has little interest in something as conventional as narrative. The place he takes us, you don’t want phrases. You don’t want very a lot in any respect.
This unapologetically minimalist bodily tackle Lear, offered on a largely empty stage, is stylised, contemplative, calm, gradual and measured. It’s self-consciously a pure type of theatre free from flashy distractions. No one flaps their arms or rushes concerning the stage doing enterprise for the sake of it. Each single second, breath even, has a function. Actors ought to flock to it. The all-female solid of 9 gives an object lesson in being wholly current and centred on stage. They grow to be mesmeric to look at.
The sense of rigour and self-discipline that surrounds the performances, nevertheless, does make them tough to explain as entertaining. In all honesty, the present is tough to explain, full cease. Gesture Theatre just isn’t fairly dance, though there’s a proficient tango at one level. It’s not fairly mime, but the solid usually walks in gradual movement in a mime-ish means. It’s not fairly clowning but Lear’s idiot cartwheels merrily alongside. I believe failing to suit right into a useful field doesn’t trouble the corporate one bit. They’re doing their factor and audiences are both on board with it otherwise you’re not. Hand on coronary heart, I believe 50% of the press night time viewers was bored. If no more. I’m, nevertheless, joyful to report I used to be not. Removed from it. I wasn’t in a position to tear my eyes away from the motion. I imply, when was the final time you have been requested to pay attention solely on gestures; a cock of the top, a raised fist, a fall to at least one’s knees or an affectionate embrace? Even the easy act of sitting is a ‘factor’ right here. We’re pressured as an viewers to watch – actually, actually observe – our fellow human beings in movement. Inform me that isn’t use of ninety minutes.
The solid is ably supported by robust audio and visible design. Composer Billy Ng and sound designer Anthony Yeung are answerable for a formidable soundscape that features metallic chimes, rattling gunfire and driving rhythms. They aren’t, nevertheless, afraid to depart us in silence for lengthy intervals too. At instances, the solid’s footsteps echo powerfully across the auditorium. Tsz-yan Yeung’s easy however efficient lighting design contains the ingenious use of crimson laser pointers. Are they sniper targets? They actually trace at impending violence. Jade Leung and Hon-wai Yuen full the image with on-point costume designs. Sharp tailoring selections stand out. Everybody loves an excellent swimsuit, proper? Even when the wearer has nothing to say.
Riverside Studios doesn’t appear an apparent venue for this avant-garde import that started life in Hong Kong in 2021. They deserve applause for making such a daring programming alternative and snaffling a European premiere. My tip? Open your thoughts and embrace this uniquely meditative instance of nonverbal theatre earlier than it heads off on tour. In the event you purchase into it, you’ll discover it extremely rewarding.
Directed by: Shu-wing Tang
Assistant Director: Rocky Wong
Set and Costumes by: Designer: Hon-wai Yuen
Costume Design by: Jade Lueng
Music Composed by: Billy Ng
Sound Design by: Anthony Yeung
Lighting Design by: Tsz-yan Yeung
Produced by: Tang Shu-wing Theatre Studio
King Lear performs at Riverside Studios till 12 Might. Additional info and bookings accessible right here.
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