– Frances Griffin contributed to this report
A mesmerising theatrical atmosphere filled Lincoln’s Drill Hall as Ockham’s Razor performed in Lincoln on Friday, February 15th, 2013.
Following the sell-out success of previous performance “The Mill”, Ockhams Razor returned to Lincoln for the second time with a 60 minute aerial movement display.
“Not Until We Are Lost” is a series of stories which explores what it is to be lost by encouraging the audience to follow the character’s story in finding their way. The title and narrative is derived from the Henry David Thoreau quote: “Not until we are lost do we begin to find ourselves.”
Producer Alison King describes the performance as “a series of poetic moments that are based on the idea of trust, reliance and relationships”.
She continued: “We are delighted to be back in Lincoln again. The Drill Hall is ideally suited to our promenade work, and everyone has been so warm and welcoming on our return.”
Not Until We Are Lost was certainly a unique performance. Upon entering Lincoln’s Drill Hall, a daunting seven metre tall metal framework shadows the crowd of silent spectators; an enchanting start for what was to come.
A dim spotlight glowed revealing a tall glass apparatus, and the show starts. As spectators approach the hollow cylindrical tube a female actor begins to emerge, looking disorientated.
Later, described by an audience member as a scene “similar to a butterfly breaking out of its cocoon”, there is an overwhelming atmosphere and sense of being lost and alone.
Spectators are encouraged to follow the story around the room following a guiding rope to shadow the four characters as they perform jaw-dropping acrobatic movements.
As they begin to find and help each other, the actors engage in dangerous looking lifts and jumps around the set that show how relationships and interaction with others is essential to stay fixed and content.
The elegance and strength of contact between characters is fascinating to watch – especially just an arm’s reach away from the action. Coinciding with the swift and dramatic movements, a 20 strong choir from the local community narrate the movements through melody.
With the choir among the spectators, it leaves the audience feeling part of the performance and story.
Producer Alison King explained the choice of a choir in the performance: “Not Until We Are Lost has been a great opportunity to strengthen our partnership with the venue.
“The local choir have been really involved in the performance and it’s great to do work that includes relationships with the community.”
The play concludes with a finale of group acrobatic actions around the swinging metal framework, which beautifully rounds up the idea of being lost but now found.
To someone who hasn’t witnessed an interactive energetic performance before, Ockham’s Razor have truly perfected the art of conveying a narrative through shocking aerial movements, without any speech.
Instead, audiences are able to draw their own interpretation and meaning; leaving each spectator with a more personal message to take away.