Review: RETURN TO THE FOREST, Aviva Studios
Photo credit: Tristram Kenton
Return to the Forest, A Theatre-Rites and Factory International co-production, co-commissioned by Sadler’s Wells, transforms the North Warehouse at Aviva Studios into a magical forest in celebration of 30 years of Theatre-Rites productions. This cavernous space is the perfect blank canvas for this immersive puppet and dance adventure for families and children, aged 8+ years. Choreographed by Gregory Maqoma and directed by Sue Buckmaster, who both return to Factory International for this collaboration, the production asks: Is the wilderness outside, or waiting within?
We enter the performance space as museum visitors and are encouraged to take in the precious treasures on display at close quarters, before witnessing the dramatic closing moments of the museum and then following the adventure into the forest. One by one, the treasures that we admired in the museum come to life, telling their stories in beautiful and fantastical ways.
Sue Buckmaster’s expertly playful direction crafts an immersive, theatrical journey that is accessible to all; young and old(er) are free to move around as they wish in response to the tales being told in the looking-glass shaped stage in the round. The production is well paced for the most part, with a gripping start leading to moments bursting with energy followed by soothing calmness, keeping the audience transfixed on the treasures and their stories.
These are presented in a selection of dynamic tableaux, stunningly choreographed by Maqoma, performed by a multi-talented ensemble cast, whose individual specialisms and strengths combine with their ability to relate to their young audience and read their emotions to create a truly inclusive performance.
Their stamina in the physicality of the 1h30 performance is impressive and all of the cast are impeccable in their timing which brings laughs and awe a-plenty. The puppetry skills of Teele Uustani and Simon Palmer are energised by the dance of Mayowa Ogunnaike and Natnael Dawit, with the adventure being powerfully narrated by the vocal and percussion work of Xolisile Bongwana.
The beating heart of this production is the musical score, co-composed by Frank Moon and Domenico Angarano, that creates the suspense and excitement for the treasures’ tales. Guy Hoare’s lighting design trains the eye onto the stunning costumes by Kinnetia Isidore, which burst out of the simplicity and symbolism of Jean Chan’s set design. Combined with Gregory Maqoma’s choreography, these technical elements weave stories high and low through the audience, and right down to the eye level of the young adventurers, who later delight in the chance to step into the theatrical magic themselves.
This is an accessible, educational and, most importantly, inspirational evening at the theatre for young people in a time of cuts to arts curricula within schools and the crucial discussion about how the stories of museum treasures should be told, and by who. Recommended for seekers of adventure and wonder of all ages, (8+), this is an awe-inspiring production that delights the eye and tunes the ear.
****Four stars
Reviewed by: Lauren Wilson
Return to the Forest plays at Manchester’s Aviva Studios until 10 May, with further info here.