Manolibera

Gareth K Vile gets down with the kids.

Article by Gareth K Vile | 16 Aug 2009

Part of the Espresso contingent of Italian companies, Manolibera is light entertainment, a gentle satire on the encroaching multinationals and a live action cartoon. With music from Django Reinhardt and scenarios drawn onto a plain white sheet, it follows the adventures in mime of a couple consumed by consumerism.

The political theme is touched upon without any deep analysis: a terrifying vision of a world immersed in junk materialism is briefly dispatched, although the couple's various attempts to escape are always foiled by the simple logo of Smile Multinational. Michele Cremaschi, Michele Eynard and Anna Fascendi lend their stereotypes charm and lightness, targeting the laughs at all ages and clearly enjoying the easy humour. The tale progresses, and the tone becomes darker, without ever submerging the illustration's allusive humour or the absurdity. The wit is slapstick and broad, and many of the scenes appeal to the younger members of the audience. Certainly, it would work as a children's show, since it never gets caught up in concepts or seriousness for two long.

This is a very European comedy that doesn't always translate, despite being simple and direct. Nevertheless, it is well performed and cheerful, a restful hour in a busy Fringe.

http://www.espressofringe.org