Writer: Ephemeral Ensemble
Director: Ramon Ayres
In the 70s and early 80s, in Latin America, many thousands of civilians went missing because of their opposition to the ruthless dictatorships or juntas. The remains of many of the victims have been investigated by the Argentinian Forensic Anthropology Team. They believe everyone has a right to identity. In 2020, the team were nominated for the Nobel Peace prize. REWIND is a homage to their work.
It has been written collaboratively by the five-part ensemble along with their Brazilian-born director Ramon Ayres. It is a physical performance with music, sound effects, clever lighting, puppetry and mime. Human remains are meticulously, photographed, X-rayed, dental records examined, DNA sought and recorded. One of the team of investigators (Andres Velasquez) introduces the audience to the story in which the actors play multiple roles.
It focuses principally on the identification of one particular unnamed young woman (played by Louise Wilcox) who had a passion for life. She is inspired to rebellion after attending a protest meeting. Her mother (played by Eyglo Belafonte) searches for her missing daughter. She is contacted by the forensic team. It is made obvious that she wishes she could rewind the past. Eventually her daughter’s identity is confirmed and given a dignified and moving burial. The mother’s grief is evident but the audience is shown how she gains a certain peace when she is finally able to put her daughter to rest.
At times it is a little confusing and hard to decipher what exactly is happening. A fair amount of Spanish is spoken and members of the audience who do not understand Spanish may feel they are missing an important part of the story, yet hearing the Spanish is, at the same time, a possible virtue in that it reminds the audience where the story is situated.
Alex Paton is the onstage musician playing a variety of musical instruments, creating a haunting and spirited atmosphere. He also provides a variety of sound effects. The lighting by on-stage Josephine Tremelling also helps create the atmosphere, particularly when following the dignified procession of the mourning mother.
This one act play REWIND is an excellent addition to the annual Migration Matters Festival in Sheffield, now in its seventh year. It is the largest Refugee Week festival in the United Kingdom, celebrating the positive impact migration and refugees have on the city and the UK.
Andres Velasquez gave the quote, “In opening the past we open the future”. Sadly the story is as relevant today as ever. History repeats itself with so many displaced by all kinds of war.
It is a thought provoking and powerful performance.
Reviewed on 18th June 2022.
