James Goffin is impressed by a deeply-moving play about one man's struggle with dementia
The Nature of Forgetting
Theatre Re
Norwich Playhouse
A man's struggle with dementia was the canvas for this astounding play without (many) words: a rich, adventurous, and deeply impressive production where every movement was deliberate and delicious.
The immensely talented central quartet (Guillaume Pigé , Louise Wilcox, Eygló Belafonte and Matthew Austin) brought clashing and conflicting memories to life, blended with a mixture of live and recorded sound composed by Alex Judd. Music played forwards and backwards and radio frequencies cut in and out as the lead fought to recapture his remembrances of his wife and of his daughter.
The 75-minute straight run packed in more choreography than most ballets, with exceptional use of mime, a sparse set, and incisive lighting recreating school rooms, wedding receptions, and a particularly delightful cycle ride. Visually breathtaking, not a gesture was wasted; this is a company of expert story tellers at the top of their game.
Theatre Re's piece explores dementia but it celebrates life and love; it grabs at your heart, and makes you fall in love with love over and over again.
James Goffin
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