Sea- Maidment Theatre
Sea instantaneously immerses one into a swift whirlpool of physicality, imagery and emotion. Devised by Red Leap Theatre and directed by Julie Nolan and Kate Parker, the play consists of nine dynamic performers that bring a story of the sea to life through physical theatre.
Sea explores the many different relationships individuals have with the sea, and alludes to the spirituality associated with it. The story follows one young boy who is lost at sea, and the people he leaves behind on a drifting island. The boy’s connection with the sea symbolises the life of a fish, and he is affected by pollution and fish farming. His vulnerability is contrasted with the people of the island, as they dive into the sea’s resources, symbolising the actions of a large proportion of humankind.
The play connects land dwellers with sea dwellers using puppetry controlled by the actors. These are huge props, ranging from whales to turtles, which are manoeuvred by the physically talented cast. The large-scale animals are swished across the stage, their dominating presence being the main feature within a minimalist set. Huge white sheets are draped over the stage and bathed in aqua-coloured neon lights to represent the rolling waves of the sea. The effect is impressive, and the sheets are continuously swirled into different positions by the cast. The set is quite literally in a constant state of flux, giving the feeling of the ocean’s ever-changing currents.
Dialogue is almost non-existent, with the key to human connection expressed mainly through body language. Movements are delicately exaggerated; the physicality of the cast is exercised effortlessly and with utter fluidity, with the choreography mirroring the swirling nature of the sea. The actors’ bodies are totally in tune with their surroundings, being aware of one another, the props, and the music. Music sets the mood for each scene; the mystic nature of the tunes, with long, droning melodies overlaid with ocean sound effects, are combined with more upbeat ukulele sounds and beautiful outbursts of song by the cast.
If you’re after an event to celebrate Sea Week 2014, or simply want to see a play that I predict will go very far, then take a plunge into Sea. An absolutely enthralling show that’s a concoction of inspiration, joy, and devastation all rolled into one tidal wave of emotion.
Red Leap Theatre’s Sea is on at the Maidment Theatre until 10 March.
Reviewed by India Hendrikse