ED2014 4/5 Reviews ED2014 Spoken Word Reviews

Shame (John Berkavitch)

By | Published on Sunday 31 August 2014

The things you did, you didn’t do, you thought about: the shameful. John Berkavitch stimulates our own reflection with brave anecdotes from his life in this spoken word performance, infused with humour and breakdance. Three additional performers create a hip-hop greek chorus, using their impressive physicality to create the world around. A highlight is the human-coffee machine in a cafe, used to create imaginary orders for audience members who happily mimed along (hint: don’t order the herbal tea). Four main stories are skilfully intercut, though intervals between scenes are interjected with breakdancing sequences that, whilst physically striking, feel disjointed from the carefully woven piece. Nevertheless this production is equal parts testosterone and tenderness, and has a great message.

Underbelly Cowgate, until 24 Aug.
tw rating 4/5 | [Hannah Cutting]

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