Boxin, Exeter Nortchott
By Josh Adamson
The latest offering from physical theatre company Kompany Malakhi illustrates through energetic dance the subjects of human mindset , misinformation and segregation. With a particular focus on the issue of race and the consequential segregation that may occur in modern society.
While Boxin portrays the issue of segregation, it never details its own take on the subject, rarely challenging the audience’s preconceived conceptions and clarity is not aided by the lack of dialogue.
The simple set provided various levels, slopes, beams and props for the artists to interact with and in some cases creatively used to illustrate a deeper meaning than at first may meet the eye.
The soundtrack is undoubtedly invigorating, mirrored by the energy of the talented cast of five performers which rushes the audience from one scene to another accompanied by vivacious choreography with nothing but enthusiasm – truly captivating.
The performance would however, too often revert to the issue of confrontation, an excuse for some more impressive and often somewhat painful looking acrobatics, but in my opinion, especially in the second half, resulting in little meaning behind it and leaving the audience somewhat bemused.
Boxin is a great introduction to the world of physical theatre and despite at times the lack of clarity or developed structure, a show that is well worth checking out.