Daniel Bye’s performance lecture self-consciously defied categorisation and switched styles throughout: just when we’d digested some research or a personal anecdote, meta-theatre disconcertingly broke in with Bye’s announcement that what we’d just heard was untrue and merely part of a theatrical experience. Once the performer had revealed his untrustworthiness it problematically undermined what he said next – if that was the point, it wasn’t especially clear. Behind the satire and false leads lay a potentially powerful central message about kindness and real value in this capitalist age. Those hoping for a bit more scientific or psychological content might leave disappointed but those who like being beguiled will be entertained by Bye, who is a talented and engaging performer and storyteller.
Northern Stage at St Stephen’s, 3-25 Aug (not 6, 13, 20), times vary.
tw rating 3/5 | [Emily Pulsford]
Sections: by Emily Pulsford - ED2012 Theatre Reviews - tw rating 3/5 | Tags: Daniel Bye, Northern Stage
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