Sometimes, captioned performances can detract and distract from the on-stage performance as you try to assimilate multiple channels of information.
Complicite’s Mnenomic, now at London’s Olivier Theatre, not only manages to make the captions integral, but actively creates dialogue with and promotes the skilled captioner Suzanne Biesty in the opening monologue, ensuring the evening feels fully inclusive.
A theatrically-necessary journey into total darkness in the theatre in the play’s opening minutes is also sensitively explained to ensure neurodiverse theatregoers feel comfortable and confident. And captioning of the diverse range of musical excerpts along the way is clever and benefits both non-hearing and hearing visitors alike.
Mnemonic harnesses and then unleashes Complicite’s collective collaborative process (no script, months of workshopping) to create a truly thought-provoking visual spectacle that has to be seen.
Khalid Abdalla (a revelation for those who have enjoyed his performance in Netflix’s The Crown) is the fulcrum around which the production pivots.
From an electric opening monologue, half inspirational TED talk, half guided meditation, he gently morphs into both Omar, the protagonist, who gathers complex plot strands involving his (ex) girlfriend’s poignant search for her father, and Otzi a 5000-year-old iceman uncovered by climbers on the Italian/Austrian borders.
The intertwined stories of memory, identity and imagination invite the reader on a journey of exploration to discuss where we come from, both mentally and physically, and what comprises reality, fact and necessary fiction.
The production invites the audience to cross international borders, question accepted scientific interpretation of archaeological finds and stimulates debate around who we are, and where we come from.
The words work well, but Complicite truly excels in physical theatre, whether the collaborators are standing on a windy mountain, taking a wearying train journey, working in a frontline field hospital or frozen in time and space.
Their complex and intelligent use of puppetry, mime, dance is utterly thrilling and engrossing. No detail is too small. Blink and you’ll miss something extraordinary.
We’ve been lucky enough to follow Complicite’s work since an early barnstorming production at Battersea Arts Centre’s International Mime Festival in the early 1980s.
Mnemonic runs at London’s National Theatre (Olivier Theatre) until August 10, with accessible performances; BSL Interpreted July 20 (2.30pm), Audio described July 27 (2.30pm), Captioned August 3 (2.30pm) and a Chilled performance on August 8 (7.30pm).
To book and for general accessibility information visit https://www.nationaltheatre.org.uk/
Photo credit: Johan Persson
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