Readymades is at heart a love story, a meeting of spirits between an artist slash toilet attendant and a disobedient, globe-trotting urinal. Described by the creators, Levi Meltzer and Sam Berlin as a ‘live action cartoon’, the show rambles through a truly original fever dream of ideas to a royal flush finish.
Readymades has so many ideas, in fact, that it sometimes impacts the flow a little. Much like the produce of the audience member who was invited on stage to make use of the urinal. There’s moments like this, which could come from an entirely different sort of show, mixed with the most beautiful, artistic shadow puppetry you could imagine. Talking to Meltzer after the performance, he explains that they took inspiration from the art world in this show, and you can really see this in the production. The multitude of ideas is only a wee problem in the scheme of things, it’s just a case of directing the stream a little more finely for a stronger show. All the ideas are good, which is a luxurious problem to have, but do they work together?
The audience engagement in this show is a joy to behold. In the early stages, a soaked Meltzer makes his way to the front tables, clearly in need of something from those watching. When it becomes apparent what he’s looking for, the audience grin with glee at their unexpected discovery. There’s clowning in these moments, simple gestures and noises that allows viewers the time and space to work things out. Everyone likes to feel clever sometimes.
Berlin proves to be the ultimate sidekick to Meltzer’s sensitive showman. He doesn’t say much, but when he does, it counts. He’s also in charge of the shadow puppetry, which is inventive, detailed and just delightful to watch. Meltzer, meanwhile, has a wide-eyed, endearing vulnerability that somehow sits perfectly with his authoritative stance. This is sensitivity for the modern day man. The audience sit rapt for what comes next.
The ending is tender, touching and a striking end to the story. The audience slip out into the Saturday bustle of the SpiegelGardens. Was it all just a dream?
Readymades is impossibly unique, unexpected and certainly the most enchanting piece of performance art you’ll ever see created about a urinal. There’s magic in the making here, and you’d be a fool to miss it.
Reviewed on 24 May 2025.
