Puppet. The Book Of Splendour @ Summerhall

Review by Steven Fraser | 07 Aug 2012

Puppet. The Book Of Splendour is a performance that is difficult to forget. The narrator informs us that the presentation we are viewing is not a story, but a birth. This description is apt as the narrative is presented second to the stunning and confusing visuals.
 
Puppet. The Book Of Splendour looks and feels like a modern day Dada performance. Back and floor projections add to the dream like landscape, but also contribute to the chaos and dilemma that is presented through the disjointed and somewhat fractured narrative. This fracture only enforces the perception of the characters we see on stage – a struggling artist, a leather dog, dancing dwarves and a coffin with legs are just some of the creations we encounter.
 
The construction of the set frames the struggling artist who battles with his canvas, perspective and his tormentors. Square shaped fences contain the artist as he lies on a small single bed. The set itself becomes displaced and disordered when the fences are removed and the mattress on the bed is deconstructed like pieces of a jigsaw.

The world of Puppet. The Book Of Splendour flirts with madness, confusion and ambiguity and the insanity never loses its confidence, especially during the confounding conclusion. A unique dream world is created that is as compelling as it is complexing.

3-13 Aug, 9-10pm, £11 (£9) http://www.nettheatre.pl