WAKE UP
The power of theatre often lies in its words, but "Wake Up" by #SolarBear at Beacon Arts Centre defies this convention🥊 offering a triple-bill of silent narratives that explore vivid memory & baffling reality…
Starting with "Ties," we're treated to a poignant dance between past & present. The old-fashioned wallpaper, the trio of ducks, and period music envelop us in a time warp🕰️ It's a story reminiscent of life's melancholic sonnets—where a box of ties isn't just fabric but a chronicle of love, separation, and reunion📦💌 There's an elegant simplicity here, though occasionally the narrative demands a touch more clarity—at times we wondered whether the multi-roling distracted from the storytelling…
Then, as if shaking us awake from a reverie, "Blackout" enters with its blend of dark whimsy. The greyscale rainy background punctuated with flashes of bloody memories hints at a story half-forgotten, half-remembered⚖️ It's here that the play finds its comedic footing, reflecting the absurdities of life, the unpredictable situations we find ourselves in, and the stories we tell ourselves to cope💬…
The final piece, "Time to Wake Up," feels like a half-finished dream🕯️ Starting on a light note, with playful TV projections, it’s a satirical jab at our media-saturated lives, where personal identity often blurs with reel characters📺 But as it progresses into a surreal realm, it risks alienating its audience. Is it a commentary on the convoluted journey of self-discovery? A cautionary tale of losing oneself? Or something else? Its ambitious reach, while commendable, begs for clearer direction➡️…
Inclusivity isn't just a checkbox for Solar Bear Theatre —it's a driving force. By centering the deaf community, they challenge conventional theatre norms, ensuring that these stories are accessible to all. In the Beacon’s intimate space, where there's no boundary between performer & audience, #WakeUp invites you to look at familiar stories through an unexpected lens 🎭🌟 3/5
#drama #mystery #darkcomedy #visualtheatre #BSL #triplebill