It seems strange to become blasé about people flying through the air with the greatest of ease (especially since I struggle to touch my toes, and would probably climb ropes more like a half-drowned rat than a graceful dancer); but I have somehow lost interest in aerial acts that merely do a range of 'tricks' with serene expressions, while the audience applaud every move. So it was refreshing to see a show like Landfall that focuses on character, both of individuals, and the whole; and shows what a joy these skills can be.
With time to take in the whole world of the play before the lights go down, all ragged platforms, ropes, chains, and sleeping bodies suspended above the stage; it was fascinating to see the first person come to life and explore the space ... climbing along the swaying platforms and swinging from place to place, there's some sense of danger, but it also looks like the best game of 'Pirates' (a game we played in school where you're not allowed to touch the ground) I've ever seen!
Part Waterworld, part Fern Gully (yes I do watch some very high-class films), the characters seem as interested in play, as in survival. There's an ebb and flow of movement, with changing allegiances between characters, though the ultimate goal of all of them is the one remaining patch of grass high above ... Yes there's a story, but it's just as fun to sit back and watch the ride and imagine: Yes, of course I'd be as graceful if I tried to do that!
Landfall runs in The Project Arts Centre until August 10th
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