Reviewer: Jack Whyte
The (Un)Known Island - Tales of Trade
This cabaret-style production is a concoction of mask, shadow puppetry, dance and live theatre staged by Red Mole/Roadworks theatre group.
It tells the story of an undiscovered island yet to be colonised or exploited unto which come explorers and entrepreneurs, who are set on extending the reaches of free trade.
Vibrant and colourful, it assaults the senses with music and playful humorous characters. The overall atmosphere and energy creates a sense of immersion in some chaotic underground Parisian theatre from centuries ago, a kind of wild excited feeling.
Intertwined with this energy is a story about the imposition of the twisted logic and artifice of our corporate world onto our more natural state of being. It shows how our world of death bleeds the life from the islanders, both physically and ideologically.
Its message seems to be that our society's conceptions of property and value and quality of life are fundamentally bankrupt. It shows that while these things may seem internally consistent and logical from within, our view might change once we step outside, perhaps onto an unknown island. We might see our values for what they are: strange illogical systems in opposition to life, like murderous superstitions with no basis in reason.
The message is an important one and conveyed through this medium feels much stronger and more intuitively sensible than it would be if conveyed in words alone. The production is a must-see, a journey through our own twisted values brimming with primal energy.
The show is playing at WACT Level 1, 44 Cable St 9opposite Te Papa) at 8pm from Wednesday November 3 to November 10. No show Monday 8 November. November 5 performance starts 6.30. Matinee Saturday 6pm. $12 waged, $8 unwaged, gold coin for children. For bookings phone 021 053 1721.