Tuesday, played by Titus de Voogdt, is a man who has lived pretty much his whole life in a church. Having been abandoned there as a new born, he was too afraid to leave and miss his mother potentially returning for him. Tuesday joins us as a silent listener for most of the play, as he shares some of his memories with us, the audience. We learn of the importance of love and laughter and of the inevitability of growing old in this moving piece of theatre.
Studio Orka, a theatre company originating from Belgium, specialise in site-specific theatre in interesting and alternative locations. Setting this piece in Saint Augustine’s Church, a 150-year old Grade I listed building, should come as no surprise then. And the setting was indeed the star of the show. The church’s towering ceilings and big open space were grand, and set designer Philippe van de Velde really accentuated and built on this stage with an incredible climbable set that the actors used freely.
The actors had no easy task here, as their characters all aged throughout the performance, and all portrayed this change with a genuine believability. The characterisation from these performers was very strong. The audience felt for each one of them and shared in their joy and sorrow on stage. The long term love of the characters Nestor and Hilda (played by Dominique van Malder and Janne Desmet respectively) was a delight to witness. However, all of the actors’ strong Belgium accents came through in this performance and so I did not realise until it was pointed out in the script that all of the characters were English. Once I realised this, it didn’t take me long to believe and follow the characters’ stories.
Including a chorus within this performance also worked wonderfully, mimicking a church choir. The use of music really brought this production to life as the delightful acoustics of the church seemed to almost demand it. Having said this, there were also great moments of silence and near darkness, which are both bold choices. In one section lasting about five minutes, we follow Tuesday as he makes his way around the church in silence, with nothing to light him except an oil lamp that he holds. The audience never lost focus in these moments, even with the 100 minute act. In fact, I was mesmerised by this section of the production and this moment stood out in the play for me.
Although there were a few minor flaws with this piece of theatre, such as props seeming to go slightly wrong or to break unexpectedly, the production overall was full of beautiful moments that were uplifting and sorrowful. Upon first watching the play, it may seem that the script is under-rehearsed as the actors appeared to fumble through the lines. However, it seems to me that this was a deliberate choice, mimicking real speech with pauses, repetition and lines spoken over one another.
Director Peter Monsaert and artistic directors Martine Decroos and Philippe van de Velde have created a stunning piece of storytelling that is mesmerising to listen to and twatch. Yes, there were a few moments that maybe didn’t look flawless, but what a beautiful tale telling us to enjoy life, because as Tuesday says, ‘that’s life, blink and its over’.
Reviewer - Megan Relph
on - 10/7/19
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