Words: Libby Taylor
Image: Alex Brenner
5 stars
This show is a beautiful example of collaboration. The Wreck is a multimedia piece exploring the relationship between siblings when faced with deciding the future of their family business. Every element is gorgeous; the puppets, the backdrops, the dioramas, the music, the props, the camera angles, and the execution. It is clear that a lot of time and consideration went into the construction and use of every aspect of this production, which works to achieve an almost ethereal experience, a complete transportation away from the madness of the Fringe to the calm ebb and flow of the sea. The entirety of the stage is visible and used in a manner that is creatively exciting and satisfying; seeing all the cogs fitting together to create the overall experience makes it even more magical.
Even though this is a well-oiled machine, the team successfully avoided rushing into any moment. They lean into these, capturing the effect of moving underwater and achieving perfect comedic timing for the lighter moments interspersed throughout. Alongside the collective beauty of the visuals and audio, actors, Camilla Anvar and Morgan Beale, are convincing and captivating. Their being siblings is an authentic connection, which is all the more impressive with the fact we only see them from the throat up. The accompanying surtitles build on their relationship, serving as a translation of their gestural language (a physical extension of their connection), whilst also being a great example of integrated captions to make the piece accessible. A must-see unique performance.
The Wreck
The Old Lab @ Summerhall
10:30
6-31 Aug (excluding 18th and 25th)