The London-based Improbable Theater Company presents a conceptually imaginative production on a sophisticated, raised-angle stage full of trap doors and secret passageways. Spot-on improvisation featuring headless puppets and lyrical, fractured storytelling explore the darkness of war and the fragility of memory.
Loosely portraying three “bakers”— brothers in a mythic country constantly at war — Guy Dartnell, Phelim McDermott, and Lee Simpson dart and twist about the architectural wonder of a stage in a display of intensely physical pantomime. Play is an important part of Improbable’s performance principles, and though put to good use I sometimes wished the heavy subject matter was played straight instead of peppered with constant comic asides. Master improvisors, the night included hilarious ruminations on a performance of Don Quixote at a bar next door, and an extended riff on a pesky fly darting through the theater that constantly plopped itself onstage. Improbable is to be lauded for physically testing the limits of their performance capabilities.
Loosely portraying three “bakers”— brothers in a mythic country constantly at war — Guy Dartnell, Phelim McDermott, and Lee Simpson dart and twist about the architectural wonder of a stage in a display of intensely physical pantomime. Play is an important part of Improbable’s performance principles, and though put to good use I sometimes wished the heavy subject matter was played straight instead of peppered with constant comic asides. Master improvisors, the night included hilarious ruminations on a performance of Don Quixote at a bar next door, and an extended riff on a pesky fly darting through the theater that constantly plopped itself onstage. Improbable is to be lauded for physically testing the limits of their performance capabilities.
