Waterworn | Project | Turn Around

Star Rating: 3/5

Title: Waterworn
Venue: The Project
Directed by: Ger Clancy
Performed by: Ger Clancy and Monika Bieniek
Composed by: Chris McLoughlin

Originally performed at 2009's Absolut Fringe, Waterworn weaves together shadow puppetry, projections and a hypnotic piano score as it tells the story of a man in search of a giant whale. This show channels the atmosphere of a silent movie, and unapologetically frames it in this way, with the action appearing to take place in a tiny makeshift cinema, the name of the play emblazoned across the top in a script that conjures up a past era. As they depict the rather solemn journey of this anonymous figure from his home, through rough waters, facing adversity in his inexplicable quest to catch a whale, the company display a unique skill that is both impressive and mesmerising. However, while the imagery and music created almost magically before our eyes is inarguably beautiful, after long periods of crashing waves and increasing monotony it becomes a little tedious – so much so that when some menacing sharks appear on the scene, a part of me was willing them to end it all. While Waterworn may outstay it's welcome a little, what it shows is the promise of much more, and with further development of narrative and an injection of diversity I have no doubt that this could prove to be the seed of something very special.

Review by: Lauren O'Toole
 

Story by EI Team | 09:00 | Tuesday 24th April 2012 | Theatre

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