Director: Ramon Ayres
UPROOTED powerfully delves into the destructive impact of colonial exploitation on Latin American land, framing it as a battle between Mother Nature and patriarchal environmental abuse. Vanessa Guevara Flores opens with a vivid portrayal of life in Mexico: the abundance of fruit as people collect mangoes and the richness of community. This is swiftly interrupted by a cry of outrage at the devastation now being wrought upon the land, setting the stage for a piece that largely unfolds through physical theatre.
The production’s most compelling elements are the work of lighting designer Josephine Tremelling, composer Alex Paton, and the inventive set design. Lighting poles adorned with leaves and LEDs evoke a forest, emphasising the tension between the natural world and the man-made materials telling the story. Each prop and object is thoroughly utilised to create striking stage images; for instance, thin plastic transforms from a playful, vibrant river into a dark, oppressive substance as the plot intensifies. And the handheld lights have the ability to capture the warmth of home and the beauty of nature.
While the artistry and unique visual language of Ephemeral Ensemble are undeniably impressive, the production sometimes prioritises style over substance. The abstract, over-laboured movements often feel drawn-out, lacking the depth needed to fully engage with the weighty themes at hand. Aside from a few key moments, such as the horrific quote from Bolsonaro (‘the Amazon is the virgin that every foreign pervert wants’) or the account of a mining community’s destruction, the piece remains vague in its exploration of the environmental crisis. Though the endless cries echo the relentless suffering of our planet, these repeated screams, while powerful, may sacrifice the emotional resonance that could truly make the narrative hit home.
As the performance progresses, the initial awe inspired by its creativity begins to fade. While the piece has an undeniably heartfelt core, the lack of specificity and personal connection leaves it feeling more like an aesthetic exploration than a deeply moving experience. UPROOTED is a visually impressive spectacle, but its abstract nature ultimately hinders its ability to leave a lasting impact.
Runs until 25 October 2025
