Review of 'no beginning no end' 21st May 2024 from The Plymouth Theatre Review

MAYFEST: ‘No Beginning, No End’

Title: No Beginning, No End

Venue: The Drum, Main Stage

Date: 21st May 2024

Overall Rating: 4

‘No Beginning, No End’, a two-person multimedia performance, is a thought provoking, intense and cylindrical exploration of the infinite. The disciplined scope of the performance was evident in it’s minimalistic approach, using only a linen sheet, a bowl, a detailed soundscape, and the actors bodies as the main means of expression. This minimalist approach served not as a constraint but as powerful medium, enhancing the visceral quality of the show. The use of the linen sheet was inventive and nuanced. I particularly enjoyed it’s use to create a soft wave of air that rippled throughout the audience as the actors ran across the stage towards us, against the backdrop of a nature scene, (in perhaps a nod to the tubular existence of nature?) as it created an additional sensory experience that transcended the visual and auditory to engage touch. This simple yet profound gesture further symbolised the continuous, unending nature of circles, touching the senses and emphasising the themes inherent in the performance.

The use of the bowl, though minimal in its presence, was employed with striking effect. Serving as a metaphor for circles (being circular itself and held in a semi circular pose) and reinforcing the endless loop of the circle motif. The bowl became a vessel (both literally and figuratively) for the performance’s exploration of perpetual motion and eternal occurrence. 

The movement was meticulous and defined, showing great dedication and discipline on behalf the actors. With the majority of the work focusing on movement and physicality, the moments that were spoken were heightened and more impactful, producing a well rounded performance that proved thought provoking as well as visually stimulating.

‘No Beginning, No end’ showcased how minimalism, when executed with precision and intention, can create a deeply theatrical experience. The disciplined scope of the movement and the minimalistic use of props allowed the audience to focus on the physicality of the actors and delve into the philosophical and emotional depths of the concept and themes. This performance wasn’t just an artistic display but a sensory and intellectual journey that resonated long after the ripple of the linen sheet had settled.

Overall, this piece was a stark demonstration of how simplicity can yield profound impact. The ability of the actors to provoke thought and evoke emotion through disciplined minimalism made it an unforgettable experience, highlighting the potential of theatre in it’s purest form.