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ED2013 3/5 Reviews ED2013 Theatre Reviews
Freeze! (Big in Belgium, Richard Jordan Productions, Drum Plymouth, Theater-aan-Zee, Summerhall)
By Dave Fargnoli | Published on Sunday 25 August 2013
In a darkened lecture theatre, performance artist Nick Steur plays geological ‘Jenga,’ stacking stones to produce impressive, impossibly balanced towers. He works without glue or tools, just patience, steady hands and a seeming disregard for gravity, delighting in mixing tricky contours and textures, consciously choosing the most challenging combinations. As these startling, unlikely sculptures take shape, a text plays from a speaker strapped to Steur’s head, giving insight into his process. Its dry delivery gives the show a documentary feel, but also creates an intentionally monotonous soundtrack to the rock-piling. While insightful and amusing, it’s an awkward counterpoint to Steur’s contemplative, intensely-focused silence. It may be bemusing, but this strange, skilful, slowly paced performance is oddly absorbing too.
Summerhall, until 25 Aug (not 19), 6.15pm
tw rating 3/5 | [Dave Fargnoli]