Whistle
Martin Figura’s father murdered his mother when he was nine years old. Martin tells his story through poetry and visual images. As well as being a heart-breaking story, Martin’s story is also a nostalgic trip back in time. Images of Airfix kits and Polish sausages are intermingled with pages from the Arthur Mee encyclopedias, and a negative of an old photograph becomes the key central motif of the piece.
Though the focus is on one man, Martin, the narrative also makes comment on the care system, attitudes to mental illness, and on the kindness of strangers.
Figura’s story is of an emotional journey and is a very touching story. It’s extremely well told, and nicely paced. Though the death of his mother was tragic, Figura is able to highlight the positives as well as the negatives in his life. In the telling of his life story, there’s lots of humour among the tears.
– Julie Raby
