AnotherKind is a multi-media scrapbook of the creative process, inspired by Amy Louise Wilson’s award-winning play, Another Kind of Dying, which tells the story of a young man who moves from the rural Eastern Cape to Johannesburg after the death of his father. For anyone who watches theatre but isn’t involved backstage, it’s easy to think that rehearsals mostly consist of actors repeatedly performing scenes until they stick, but AnotherKind offers a unique insight into what it actually takes for a cast to develop characterisation and explore plot to ensure that their show is as intricate and vibrant as it can be.
A product of the pandemic and the effect it had on in-person theatre, the piece features heavy use of typed observations and narration, which are cleverly amended and corrected as they go to indicate discussion of themes in a show. The piece opens with this technique asking philosophical questions and performers floating through the darkness. The pandemic atmosphere and other events which affected the production allow the creative team to explore the impact of disaster and how this can make the completion of work feel ever more urgent.
Themes the cast and crew of the play explore include the relationship between South Africa and Johannesburg, and where stories come from. Wilson describes a recurring dream she had which inspired the piece and how she felt that the story was something she brought to the world rather than directly owned, which prompts some interesting considerations about idea generation and execution.
Images of books and film footage allow the piece to describe inspiration and how artists are affected by other artists’ work. Interpretive movement combined with imaginative vocal work, and the use of props to create theatre in miniature allows us a glimpse into what the work would look like as a completed show, and is an original peek behind the stage curtain.
AnotherKind is an interesting collection of snippets which exhibits a unique approach to character development and plot exploration. The piece offers something for theatre practitioners and fans of theatre who like to see behind the scenes explorations of the creation of work. The piece also reflects on wider philosophy and makes you think about our place in the world and how we affect it, and when things happen outside of our control, how that affects us.
AnotherKind is being streamed by Edinburgh Fringe until 28 August 2023. Tickets are available here https://tickets.edfringe.com/whats-on/anotherkind
Reviewer: Donna M Day
Reviewed: 13th August 2023
North West End UK Rating:
Rating: 4 out of 5.
