Concept: Via Berlin and Cello Octet Amsterdam
Director: Dagmar Slagmolen and Pim Veulings
What do you get if you cross 8 cellists, a dancer and an actor? Instant Loneliness is a fresh and stylised piece of European theatre that is, at times, both captivating and inspiring. Part of Hull’s Freedom Festival program, it delves into the inner psyche by pushing boundaries and defying normality.
Via Berlin (established in 2009), in collaboration with Cello Octet, is a Dutch musical theatre group that deal with social issues profoundly. This piece is the final instalment of the so-called Instant trilogy. Whilst this critic appreciated the work, there were some moments that didn’t quite resonate.
Each player, masters of their craft, are engaging enough to watch and they perform many of their musical structures with polish and flair but the piece as a whole isn’t as exciting or inviting enough to warrant the high praise the artists so deserve. In association with the Dutch dance studio Korzo, this passionate troupe attempt to make waves as they journey from Loneliness to contact. The interesting dynamics used within the staging are both fresh and exciting but in order for this story to work there needs to be a shift in dynamics and pace. It is certainly an interesting piece of theatre, and one you’d seldom find on a Wednesday evening in Hull, but the work is too raw in its quest for connection.
Some may comment that this is art for art’s sake but this critic found it, at times, beautifully original if not a little uneven. Running at just over an hour and packing in an array of theatrical conventions and mediums, this simply staged offering, stripped back and sophisticated (perhaps a little too high-brow), tells a tale you didn’t need to hear in a story that simply isn’t worth telling.
Hull’s Freedom Festival has gone from strength to strength since it’s humble beginnings back in 2007. What started as a fully funded series of performances, more often these shows are becoming less accessible as each year they add more paid ticketed events to their program, which kind of takes the Free out of Freedom. This show though, which is the latest instalment to really get you thinking, despite its flaws, is a work of merit. Along with its many theatrical achievements, this company does continue to educate and inspire. They have been running for over 14 years and are a welcome addition to this year’s festival program.
There’s some hands-on interactive activities at the front of house too including plasticine sculpting, typewriting and photography, perhaps to allow the audience to connect, through art, before entering the theatre together.
Runs until 1st September 2023.
