Arteries by Ancestry

Fugue, presenting this work at the Blue Room, describe this devised play as "a sexy and ambitious work”, and it certainly is that.

James McMilllan’s direction is clear and cerebral and the performers put 100% into the hour long show.

Noah Jimmy and Haydon Wilson are strong performers who work expertly as a team, move brilliantly and are completely invested in the presentation.

Alex and Yell have created a soundscape which is integral to the performance - gritty and at times unnerving, while Rhiannon Petersen’s lighting design is well employed across Sally Phipps’ beige toned transverse stage.

Arteries by Ancestry asks the questions “What happens when we see our actions have an effect right before our eyes?” and “How can we interrogate attitudes and mindsets as physical states rather than conceptual ones?” The premise is interesting, and the physicalisation is amazing, but I’m not sure that this intention is realised or that the narrative is clear.

An intriguing new work that examines some excellent questions.

Kimberley Shaw

Photographer: Matthew Lister