ED2017 5/5 Reviews ED2017 Theatre Reviews

Mental (Kane Power Theatre)

By | Published on Friday 11 August 2017

Kane Power’s mother Kim has bipolar disorder. In ‘Mental’, he talks about her and her illness – symptoms, treatments, possible causes – as well as the effect this has on those around her. It’s certainly not easy viewing, but Power is an entertaining and eloquent performer. Feeling almost like a TED talk at times, the show’s real highlight is the sound (huge credit to Peter R. Reynolds as musical director). Power uses keyboards, loop pedals and recordings to create mesmerising soundscapes, that replicate the feeling of being out of control of your own brain. We hear Kim’s medical history and her vitriolic, increasingly desperate voicemails. Power has made a show about his mother’s illness that is respectful, dignified and enlightening.

Assembly Roxy, until 27 Aug.
tw rating 5/5 | [Gemma Scott]

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