The Book of Disquiet

Synopsis

Why do I feel strangely drawn to the kind of people I’d usually run a mile from? Religious fundamentalists, for example. At least those guys make an effort. They yearn for what they really don’t know. The rest of us cross the stage as walk-ons, extras, without any lines. Satisfied with the pompous solemnity of the crossing itself.

Our Review:

Andrew Girvan - 23 June 2011

The Book of Disquiet is translated from the original Portuguese and reimagined by Mark O'Thomas for the Blue Elephant. A staging of the memoirs of Bernardo Soares, a Lisbon bookkeeper, the 'author' is actually but one of the numerous heteronyms adopted by 20th century poet and writer Fernando Pessoa.

A promenade performance, we are invited to rove around the smoke-filled space, approaching the actors from what we feel to be the most appropriate angle. More ambitiously, a member of the audience is also invited to join the cast for the duration of the show, taking on the role of colleague Geoff - dragged in accusatory fashion through a number of scenes by other cast members. An intriguing concept, but one which did not feel quite built out enough.

Powerless in a large accountancy firm, the four-strong cast (five if you include Geoff) resort to blaming each other for their failings in a splintered examination of their own existences and their mun...

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Latest User Review

Ailin - 4 July 2011:

Cool show! In keeping with the book's fragmented and dreamlike state. Particularly good use of "doubling" characters (two characters saying one text in distinct ways) to achieve a surreal feel. Love the chalk. Good going!...

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