Skip to main content

Theatre review: Gecko institute a powerful primal therapy

Institute

West Yorkshire Playhouse, Leeds/
Touring

5/5

INSTITUTE makes its impact on a primal level. It has a powerful emotional charge yet there is no literal sense in the physical-dance theatre of the Gecko company.

This, its sixth production in a decade, explores themes of fracture and disconnection in a world where everyone relies on someone else for support.  

It’s set in a labyrinthine institute of dark shadows and towering filing cabinets, where the drawers open to release echoes in time — a child’s voice and a woman in the throes of passion —  stored as haunted memories. These disembodied voices capture the darkness and light of the one-act performance.

Even so Institute is peppered throughout with moments of humour — as in an opening scene where a man is having a romantic meal with a woman, represented solely by a pair of hands, with snippets of salsa music and voices wafting over their conversation.

Yet soon his mental landscape begins to unravel and in one of the key scenes he’s transformed into a human puppet. Long wooden poles are connected to his limbs that are operated by two other men, a very visual representation of loss of control and the internal struggle to accept help.

Reflecting the brutally raw push-and-pull of patient and carer, in another striking scene a man in solitary confinement continues to try  to control the actions of the other performers. Using an intercom, he delivers instructions even as his body writhes in agony and his staccato movements contrast with the the fluid physicality reflecting the mental states of fellow performers Chris Evans, Amit Lahav, Ryen Perkins-Gangnes and Francois Testory.

Their state of mind is reflected in Lahov and Rhys Jarman’s atmospheric set design, illuminated by the odd bright light or lamp and a terrific soundtrack. This is enhanced by an array of clashing European languages signifying the inability to truly understand one another and a range of animalistic grunts and exhalations. 

These primitive sounds and movements connect with audience members on the most basic level, allowing the individual to project their own experiences and interpretations on them in deeply personal ways.

An emotionally draining but totally compelling 75 minutes.

Tours nationally until October 3, details: www.geckotheatre.com.

Susan Darlington

OWNED BY OUR READERS

We're a reader-owned co-operative, which means you can become part of the paper too by buying shares in the People’s Press Printing Society.

 

 

Become a supporter

Fighting fund

You've Raised:£ 13,288
We need:£ 4,712
3 Days remaining
Donate today