Anima

Presented by Momentum
Unity Theatre (22nd-23rd November 2007)

Reviewed by Colin Serjent

I spent an enchanting hour at the Unity watching this visually stunning and dynamic new production, which is the third part of Momentum's trilogy on the exploration of life.

Anima, conceived and performed by Yorgos Karamalegos and Elinor Randle, and directed by Malou Airaudo and Momentum, is centred on dreams and the subconscious life. This was conveyed in the production by the use of atmospheric music and lighting, as well as highly unusual movements and gesticulations of the body by both participants.

Not one word is spoken throughout, only non-verbal sounds, which added to the dreamlike nature of the piece. Within dreams - or my dreams at any rate - no words are uttered.

Anima opened with the appearance of what looked like primordial people, dressed like hooded monks but with large fish heads attached to their bodies.

Other scenes include Randle's body being compressed like a ball into a gossamer type fitting with only her head and feet showing. What it was conveying was not clear, and Randle ended up swinging on a trapeze dressed in a large silver mermaid costume. It was that type of evening!

Karamalegos was inspired in helping to put this production together after reading a phrase from his favourite author Haruki Murakami, in which he said that our responsibility in life begins in our dreams.

He and Randle have clearly tried - with the various styles and techniques of physical theatre they have utilised - to convey how very important dreams are within one's life; they are not just a mere adjunct to being alive.

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