weBLOG

To wear a mask, to be within the bounds of play, to escape the normality of your existence and delve deep into the unknown of theatre, isn’t that everyone’s dream?

 

The magical world of Punchdrunk theatre group, that came to being in 2000- opening a Pandora’s box of imagination and fascination. They create installations that haunt derelict and forgotten buildings of Britain and now America.

 

Punchdrunk has descended on to an old school in Boston in association with American Repertory Theatre, captivating the American people with their new theatrical experience inspired by Shakespeare’s Macbeth and directed by Felix Barrett and Maxine Doyle alongside the company.

 

The site specific, slightly nomadic group have readdressed the idea of discovery, as if giving the audience a puzzle to figure out. In a world where everything is spelled out to us, all mysticism ironed out, there is a need for childish discovery. Instead of placing the performance in one stage, one room with wobbling sets and dramatic backlighting, they plan a maze through the building they inhabit. The piece becomes not only a performance, but a living, breathing, sometimes even sleeping organism. Each room tells a story, another way to discover the stories. 

 

  

 

And with this new piece over the pond, it gives the audience a completely new take on the original tale. Continuing their theme of mystery they sent out a publicity link to drum up some excitement. Take a look. It gathers the ideas of superstition and witchcraft that the play begins with, the witches brewing potions around the pot. Everyone knows the tragedy of Macbeth, the claustrophobia and hidden depths of personal deceit, to create that in a live environment, where you can be part of the action of their woe is but a dream for some. Lyn Gardner wrote in the Guardian, ‘Wandering around this massive installation-cum-dance-drama, you feel rather like a ghost yourself, pursuing other ghosts and constantly encountering lost souls.’ 

 

This company knows how to create atmosphere. With an interest to combine art with theatre, Punchdrunk have created scenes around the UK. It Felt Like A Kiss was their last, as part of Manchester International Festival in July of this year. Earlier this year they produced Tunnel 228 with Kevin Spacey and the Old Vic in the tunnels underneath Waterloo Bridge, which showcased their artistic prowess. 

 

The physical language that is brought about by such intimate creations where it is not just sight and sound, but smell, touch and taste, the audience is addressing the pseudo-reality of performance. Each member of the audience are seen as a participant themselves, given a white mask to wear concealing their identity which in some ways prolongs the atmosphere of play and experience. Wanting to strip the public of their self-consciousness, which allows one to explore with freedom and intrigue.

 

Watch more here.

 

Aquila Dunford Wood