Moments - Theatre Re

Based at The Point in Eastleigh, Theatre Re has, since its conception and foundation in 2011, earned a critically-acclaimed reputation for innovative artist-led productions, and by challenging the ideas of how contemporary drama is conceived and performed. From 'The Gambler', in which the company set out to de-tangle the primal mechanics of addiction, to 'The Little Soldiers' in which they delve into the forces of jealousy and desire, and with 'The Blind Man's Song', which evolved into a powerful paean of hope and courage, Theatre Re’s work has always been revelatory as well as relevant.

Creative Director Guillaume Pigé, composer Alex Judd, lighting designer Katherine Graham, together with sound engineer Benjamin Adams, are at Norwich Theatre Playhouse this week with 'Moments', a process-led piece that has evolved over a two year period. The performance begins with Pigé’s mime exploration of a simple inanimate object, namely a metal chair. Through a cycle of repetition and development, sound and light are added, and a wristwatch suddenly becomes a powerful personal metaphor for life, death, and grief. The journey is layered with memories via an ever-evolving process of repetition, enhanced by Alex Judd’s soundscape and Katherine Graham’s mood-inspired lighting. From a highly personal interpretative journey, ’Moments’ is shaped into a collaborative 50 minute performance that follows life’s roller-coaster ride, from birth and parenthood through to ageing, loss and grief, with all its pain and pleasures laid bare. Katherine Graham's lighting is precise and probing, Alex Judd's music adds emotional synchronicity, Benjamin Adams controls the sound from the gallery whilst we, the audience, remain transfixed by the unfolding drama, the poignancy of the memories revealed, and the dramatic contrast between animate passion and inanimate object.

It is a long time since have I been so unexpectedly spellbound by a contemporary theatre show. My enthusiasm was clearly shared by the audience, which appeared to include a number of young theatre and drama students, many of whom had been involved in specially arranged workshops earlier the day, and whose enthusiasm was confirmed when many remaining behind for the special Q&A session afterwards.

An innovative, moving, and life-affirming production. 'Moments' is at Norwich Theatre Playhouse until Wednesday February 12th.