The Flames – Traverse Theatre

The Flames is a performance company for people over the age of fifty. Each member of the ensemble (I counted approximately 22) tells a moving story from their own past.

The theme of the stories is ikigai, a Japanese term often translated as “purpose”. Ikigai is about the things that bring value and meaning to life. Each performer speaks in turn, while the others set the scene with movement (choreographed by Aya Kobayashi), reacting with excitement or disdain to the speaker; becoming waves, or an ID parade; stamping out the rhythm of a train. They tell stories about lifelong friendships; sleeping rough in Helsinki; and uncovering family secrets. One participant tells us about the time she literally walked a mile in someone else’s shoes. She ended up with sore feet.

Film footage (designed by Kim Beveridge) of the cast acting out the stories is projected onto the back of the space. The black-and-white footage contrasts visually with the scene on stage, which is bathed in colour through lighting and costume.

There’s music, composed and performed by guitarist Malcolm Ross, designed to enhance the storytelling.

I’d love to know more about director Fiona Millar’s creative process. Everyone brings a clear voice and sense of purpose to their telling. There is a wonderful awareness of the audience in the way that the storytellers project their performances.

There are Flames in several Scottish cities, each rehearsing and performing at different times throughout the year. They also collaborate with a similar group in Japan.  The Flames are part of Tricky Hat Productions, a multi-arts performance company that makes theatre with and about people who live on the margins of our society.

The stories span the decades. One story takes place in the early sixties. Another, about ageing, seems to be set more recently. Taken together, this is a fascinating oral history of people, times and places, and the moments that give their value and meaning to all our lives.

Find out more about The Flames and Tricky Hat Productions here: Tricky Hat Productions – Theatre making the invisible, visible.

Reviewer: Wendy McEwan

Reviewed: 22^nd February 2025

North West End UK Rating: