‘La Poème’ is described as ‘a joyously strange and personal play’. Strange and personal yes, joyous, not so much. Created and performed by Jeanne Mordoj, this piece of physical theatre becomes very  uncomfortable to watch. Crushing up eggshells, spreading yolk over her face and rolling around in the mess, Mordoj wasn’t quite comic or emotional enough, simply staying on a level middle ground. Most of the audience were unsure as to whether or not they should be laughing, with only a few uneasy giggles escaping. Mordoj has wonderful control over her body, but nothing about the piece is spectacular or engrossing. A bit confusing, a little pretentious, and not hugely exciting.

Summerhall, until 25 Aug (not 6, 11, 12, 15, 19, 23), 7.45pm.
tw rating 2/5 | [Helena Wadia]