www.list.co.uk/theatre
‘IN THIS GAME EXPERIENCE
CAN OFTEN BE TRUMPED BY INNOCENCE'
ive and kicking
As the National Review of Live Art returns to the Arches Kelly Apter prepares to open her eyes and fill her mind
bit of tunnel vision is required at the National Review of Live Art (NRl.Al. Not least because it takes place in the atmospheric. underground warren that is the Arches. Filling every available space in the building - foyers. bars. studios. theatres — the NRl.A lasts five days. from early morning to late at night. A day ticket buys you an invitation to leave the
real world behind and immerse yourself in a sea of
experimentation. exploration and innovation.
Blending theatre. performance art. film. music and a few things which are beyond classification. the NRI.A acts as a magnet for international artists. Hailing from Canada. Ireland. Japan. Singapore. Australia. (iermany. (‘roatia and the UK to name but some. they all head to Glasgow with one common goal: to open your eyes and fill your mind.
Among the «ill-plus group of ‘lnvited Artists‘ are Japanese performer anti-cool whose role model/hr a store clerk. takes place ‘in the gap between the smile and the clerk's true feelings‘: Gary Stevens‘ Ape. which features three performers who copy each other's behaviour; and Jiva Parthipan who will cook and explore the threat of terrorism.
The 'lilevator‘ strand. meanwhile. celebrates the work of artists in the early years of their professional careers. and features l8 shows. including one by Leeds-based Paper Birds. Last seen in Scotland garnering critical acclaim at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe. the company is returning with its uncompromising work. In a Thousand Pieces (pictured). Exploring the often ignored world of sex trafficking. the show mixes real-life stories with
opinion canvassed on the streets of Britain.
"The piece is quite hard—hitting and dark.‘ says director. Jemma McDonnell. ‘But people are surprised how much they laugh during the show. mainly because of the verbatim statements ._ we couldn‘t make them up! At times we read out other people's and audiences are shocked. amused and embarrassed by the public‘s opinions.”
According to the NRI.A‘s Master of Ceremonies. Ian Smith. there‘s no real division between newcomers and old hands. ‘As far as performers go. I cast no distinction between the old lags and the young whippersnappers.~ he says. ‘In this game experience can often be trumped by innocence.‘ Artistic director
of Glasgow-based performance company. Mischief
La-Bas. Smith has the job of ensuring people know where to go. what to see and what it‘s all about.
‘l‘m a cross between a headmaster and a bus conductor] he says. ‘My role is to maintain a thin veneer of understanding so that the punters feel there is at least one pair of safe hands in the place.’ Having moved with the festival from the Arches to 'I‘ramway and back again. Smith is well used to keeping the momentum going. ‘Just as we got used to the lkea spaces of Tramway. we're back down the devious dungeons of the Arches.‘ he says. ‘But the work is so varied that l relish the thought of herding eager punters from cavern to cavern. not knowing exactly what to expect.‘
National Review of Live Art, Wed 1 1-Sun 15 Feb. www.newmoves.co.uk
Hit
THE BEST THEATRE 8 DANCE
* Educating Rita Willy Russell's classic two-hander about a working class woman with a thirst for knowledge and self-betterment and her disaffected, hard-drinking tutor arrives at the Citz. with Emma Cunnitfe and Carrie’s Charles Lawson in the main roles. See preview, page 82. Citizens Theatre, Glasgow, Wed 11 Feb—Sat 2 Mar.
* Between the Devil and the Deep Blue The toast of the 2007 Edinburgh Fringe, 1927's surreal. macabre, visually stunning journey in the company of a host of weird and wonderful characters, returns to the capital as part of the manipulate Visual Theatre Festival. See caption in listings. Traverse, Edinburgh, Fri 6 Feb. * Defender oi the Faith Andy Arnold brings Stuart Carolan's 2004 exploration of the impact of the Troubles in Northern Ireland to the Tron. See preview, page 82. Tron, Glasgow. Tue 10—Sat 28 Feb. * National Bevlew ot Live Art The eclectic celebration of live art returns to its original home. the Arches, for five days of experimental work by internationally renowned artists. See Big Picture, page 9 and preview, left. Arches, Glasgow, Wed 11—Sat 14 Feb.
* Night Duty I Desk Job Club and gig space the GRV kicks off its theatre strand with this double bill of short plays. See preview, page 82. GRV, Edinburgh, Sun 15—Wed 18 Feb.
* Lee Ballets 'l'roeedem de Monte Cal-Io The 22- strong troupe of classicale trained male ballet danwrs explodes onto Scottish stages with a greatest hits package that includes their celebrated Act Two from Swan Lake. See preview. page 60. Theatre Royal, Glasgow, Tue 17& Wed 18 Feb.
S~19Feb 2009 WE LIST 81