PIAF REVIEW: BEYOND TIME
Beyond Time is a challenging production by Taiwanese company U-theatre which reconnects theatre with its origins in ritualistic performance. Resonant drumming, martial arts and serene set design grounds the oriental production held at the gorgeous His Majesty's Theatre.
The production was split into a number of scenes: ‘A Downpour’, ‘Reflection of the Moon on A Thousand Rivers’, ‘Wading Through the Air’, ‘The Eclipse’, ‘The Vortex’ and ‘Beyond Time’. Each scene explored spirituality, strength of mind, peace and violence through physical movement, dramatic drumming, throat singing, and the crashing of cymbals.
The lighting and set design assisted in building a foundation for the theme of 'nature', with backdrops providing imagery of the sky and falling rain. The physical strength and control of the performers was by far the most impressive aspect of the show. The resulting work of nature and the physical traditions explored the relationship between an individual and the universe encompassing them.
The multi-disciplined production was both choreographically and technologically astonishin,g however, patrons seemed to perhaps enter their own meditative state. Beyond Time maintained a connection with itself but perhaps failed to command the audience's attention for the duration of the performance. Notwithstanding this, it was a fascinating insight into one of many ancient cultures, which is what PIAF is all about.
