Words : Jacqueline Ross
Image: Enya Fortuna 

4 Stars

Up! is a tale of opposites. Good luck and bad luck. Love and loss. Fate and chance. It is a light-hearted take on two perceived to be lucky and unlucky individuals coming together in circumstances that could prove to be lucky or unlucky depending on your point of view!

Aimed at young adults, it swirls with a plethora of props, models and object theatre. The two central characters are expressive, in sync and likeable as they swap stories and produce (akin to a magic show) a number of dolls, toys and everyday tiny things.

At times the presentation seemed a little childlike in nature as toy planes zoomed around and soft toys told the story. Confusingly, the set had more of a classroom feel than that of a plane and the use of a white board introducing contextual lessons only added to this.

But there is a deeper meaning too. The explanation of Heraclitus’ concept of ‘The Unity of Opposites’ was thought provoking and having the characters unpack a suitcase of the stories of their lives was a nice illustration of their discovery of each other and themselves.

A playful feel to a serious subject. It develops a storyline of contrasts and makes you question your original perceptions. With themes of connection and humour, self-doubt and hope, this fantasy table top exploration is there to be discovered.

Up! By Visible Fictions
Braeburn at Gilded Balloon
Various
8-24 Aug (not 12,19)