Last Rites – Ad Infinitum / Shoreditch Town Hall, London

A beautiful work of visual theatre, Last Rites is at Shoreditch Town Hall as part of new curatorial project MimeLondon.

Last Rites

Grief is a complex process.  In this new theatrical work, award winning and diverse-led theatre company Ad Infinitum explore grief, death, complicated familes, and parenthood. The result is something universal yet unique, tender and truthful.

Part of MimeLondon (a curatorial project by the founders of London International Mime Festival), Last Rites is non-verbal and devised theatre at its finest.  Accessible to d/Deaf and hearing audiences, performer Ramesh Meyyappan combines BSL and visual storytelling against a projected backdrop and resonant soundtrack.  His character must confront his complex relationship with his father as he performs his father’s funeral rites on his own terms.  Aspects of their relationship come into focus as he reminisces, reflecting on similarities and differences as he tends to his obligations as eldest son. A communication gap which was broader than his father’s refusal to learn sign language. Differences over religion. A struggle to choose his own path in life.

The story may resonate most with those who share one or more of the character’s specific struggles, but the concerns of family, choice, regret and acceptance are universal. The story came about through a sharing of similar experiences between Meyyappan and Co-Artistic Director of Ad Infinitum George Mann, who co-created the work. It is masterful storytelling, brought to life by an actor of great skill.

Visual Theatre: Connecting Audience and Performer

Reflecting on some of the visual and BSL-led theatre I have seen recently (like this), one aspect I appreciate is the very immediate connection between audience and performer.  When a story is not spoken, you have to stay present.  The audience’s attention is required to follow and interpret the experience unfolding.  And in such an intimate and emotional story as this, that connection is everything.  Last Rites is beautiful.  Meyyappan’s portrayal of multiple characters – sometimes at the same time – is astounding.  The universal yet unique story is moving and well thought out.  The process of co-creation was clearly a fruitful one for Meyyappan and Mann.

This first experience bodes well for the rest of my MimeLondon experience.  A small practical note: hearing audience members may want to seat themselves away from the speakers: the bass-heavy soundtrack is best when it’s immersive but not overwhelming.  But otherwise this is a highly enjoyable, tender work of art and theatre which may get you thinking about relationships in your own life.

Salterton Arts Review’s rating: 4/5

Last Rites on until 27 January at Shoreditch Town Hall (more info here), and 3-4 February in Glasgow as part of Manipulate Festival