Five ghost-like, unidentifiable, unreal performers, all in black, inhabit the stage from start to end and present a visceral and powerful series of images, movement and sound sequences occasionally breathing life into props around- chairs, threads of cotton, grocery and coats! Directed by Mary Steadman and created in collaboration with performers Leeza Jessie, Alice Barton, Xavier De Santos, Samuel De La Torre, and Sofia Velez, This is the Land indeed creates an atmosphere of dream-like liminality using themes associated with the cycle of seasons. It does so by channelling some narratives or images that might emerge using the archetype of Trickster- the one who defies conventional behaviour and is not afraid to experiment.
While it was not always possible to comprehend a singular narrative, spurts of stories emerged and disappeared in the ever-evolving journey of the piece. What is extremely interesting is how this cacophony of sounds and images triggered certain hand-picked universal memories. Yet, parts of the show seemed open and exploratory, inviting the audience to perceive what and how they willed. I believe, that added beauty and nuance to the piece. These five made for an extremely talented and skilled ensemble of movers well attuned to each other and the space.
Washes of blue and amber created the cyclic seasonal atmosphere and music by John Baggot triggered dream-like distant quality within the audience and probably the performers. The tech was skilfully embedded into the show with live recording and handling of sound cues. What I found occasionally jarring though was the volume of the sound over spoken text.
Experimental and quirky, This is the Land is surely high-quality physical theatre!
This is the Land runs until 19th February at Network Theatre – https://vaultfestival.com/events/this-is-the-land/
Reviewer: Khushboo Shah
Reviewed: 12th February 2023
North West End UK Rating: ★★★★