Institute

Institute takes a look at how the lives of 'ordinary' people can fall apart' How normal, fully functional people can, through ill health, trauma or simply life experience, become unable to continue and support themselves. Four stories are interwoven, each, for a different reason, results in its central character falling under the care of an "Institution" - care that struggles to have the impact that they need.

The four performers (sorry 'Margaret', I really didn't feel the need for your short entrance) have an amazing physicality and discipline, the interview where two of them speak "as one" was a masterclass in a technique that is surprisingly complicated and the upstage work behind the gauze was amazing. The interactions of all were brilliant and the "puppetry" towards the end, as the patient was trying to behave normally while under the crushing effect of controlling drugs was deeply moving. In case the performances were not enough (and they certainly were) the set is a masterpiece of design, imaginative, creative and clever as well as entirely practical.

Probably the most powerful, moving, funny, heart-breaking and expresive piece of physical dance theatre I have ever seen. I would happily see this again. And again. And .... well, you get the picture.

Bravo gecko