NODA MAP: -320°F – Sadler’s Wells Theatre, London

Writer and Director: Hideki Noda

-320°F is a science fantasy from theatre company NODA MAP that puts the Fiction in Science Fiction by basing its narrative on patently false scientific theories. In this world, bones take the role of genes and memories from past lives can be seen, re-experienced, and interacted with. On the fantasy side of the story, Faust meets Mephistopheles and lab mice are rescued by the Pied Piper. It is a brave and radical approach that, when taken to this play’s extremes, results in a theatrical display that is baffling and often exhausting.

Spanning modern, medieval, and ancient times, the scope of -320°F is highly ambitious. Using time travel, fables, and biblical beings to tie together these disparate eras, the plot of -320°F ends up tying itself into a confusing knot. Hideki Noda’s story is so far off the beaten track that the audience’s investment in the characters has disappeared in the rear-view mirror. This is, in some ways, remarkable given the lengths that -320°F goes to in order to facilitate understanding. Not only are there subtitles and signing, but the performances embrace melodrama, making the emotional state of all of the characters patronisingly clear. As a result, the acting is grating and rapidly loses its charm. Asides to the audience lose their humour after half an hour, despite no meaningful change in their form or style or presentation.

Technically, -320°F is magical. Noda’s stagecraft and Shigehiro Ide’s choreography are undeniably gorgeous and slick in equal measure. When performed by this cross-generational cast, the end result of the movement on stage is as crisp as it gets. Unfortunately, the same is not true of the costumes and props, which (perhaps due to the restrictions of a touring show) read as cheap and occasionally spoil the magic.

While these technical elements hold the audience’s attention for a significant time, ultimately the meandering and absurd plot catches up with the movement’s prowess, and boredom soon sets in. It is only in its latter moments that -320°F begins to wrestle with interesting ethical issues and tackles its central themes head-on.

-320°F is a frustrating watch. The depth of skill of everyone involved is abundantly clear, and yet they are tethered to a script that lags far behind. By the literature that accompanies the show, the show’s own admission, “for some the play might feel excessive.” Sadly, it is, to its great detriment.

Runs until 11 July 2026