I became an instant fan of site-specific, immersive theatre company Dante Or Die when I saw their show I Do in the Hilton Docklands (https://garethjames.wordpress.com/2014/03/10/i-do) a couple of years ago. A short while into this second, smaller, more intimate show I realised why they stand out from the others – it’s the quality of the storytelling.
The location this time is Urban Locker at Old Street, one of a fast growing number of self-storage units our 21st century lifestyles demand. I’ve never been inside one, a maze of differently sized lockers and rooms, so that was an experience in itself. It’s an inspired idea and a brilliant way of telling the story of 28 years of Zoe’s life, from the departure of her brother on his world travels to moving in with her boyfriend, marriage and motherhood to divorce, through all the things we accumulate through our lives.
It works on a lot of levels. The intimacy means you engage with Zoe’s story from the first scene, so much so that you become personally possessive about her stuff in the clever final scene. There’s also a great sense of times changing, through clothes, music, objects and even behaviour. Everyone can identify in some way with something here, some closer or with more than others, but all in some way, and that’s what makes it such a poignant and moving piece.
It’s the same creative team as I Do – Daphna Attias, Terry O’Donovan and Chloe Moss – with just seven actors, six walk-in lockers, three stage managers and an awful lot of stuff! A very original idea, fine writing by Chloe Moss, fascinating space and excellent performances. I really engaged with this show emotionally, with feelings of nostalgia (though realising The Traveling Wilburys Handle With Care was 28 years old came as a bit of a shock!), empathy, warmth, sadness and happiness and I warmly recommend you see it in its final week.
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