THE CORRIDOR till 15 October

London

THE CORRIDOR
by Matjaz Zupancic

ICA Theatre To 15 October 2005-10-11 Mon-Sat 8pm
Runs 1hr 36min No interval

TICKETS: 020 7930 3647
www.ica.org.uk
Review: Timothy Ramsden 10 October

Realism and unrealism mix in response to Reality TV.
This corridor is refuge and hell-hole for aspirant contenders in a Slovenian ‘Big Brother’ reality show, the one place they won’t be filmed says Max, diabolical overlord of the company-sponsored programme. In a mix of realistic encounters and choreographed sequences which effectively flash-forward relationships and responses to this intrusive life, Matjaz Zupancic’s play - brought to the ICA by the Slovene National Theatre and performed with quick-firing supertitles - shows the initial line-up of house inhabitants ground-down mentally and physically.

Some of this is due to the sex clearly developed offstage (if on camera), though bodily sores and itches could have other origins. One by one the company sound the alarm-bell for escape, brought by the differently-clothed, always snarlingly contemptuous Max. With his appearances, and one from black-garbed goons ready to suppress any inter-occupant violence (rape, announces Max, being allowed as everyone’s into that), comes rising tension brought on also by discovery of a company mole, organising and provoking events.

The entire thing’s fixed as part of the sponsors’ drive for interlinked power and profit. Even here plans switch at public demand, indicating a 2-way link between market demand and company gain. Though there’s no doubt where ultimate advantage lies; it’s no wonder the people behind the show specialise in attractive packaging.

As bodies corrode and minds crumble, the anonymous, receding corridor becomes increasingly claustrophobic; the exit to the camera zone’s hidden from the audience and the focus is a shining metal door oppressively shut until opened on demand – something that can seem almost as necessary for the audience as for these characters.

Throughout, individuals seek to manipulate viewer response (Jana takes every opportunity to shower and wander around in a bathrobe, Nikson wants his name concealed so left-wing audience members don’t link him to a right-wing US President), rebel, seek relationships but it’s apparent their individual attempts count for nothing as pressure increases. Only the end makes rebellion and oppression more even; even then it’s within the sponsor’s multiple manipulations. This high-energy, close-definition production takes theatre’s response to reality TV into the political and personal arenas with fire and verve.

Dorian: Gorazd Logar
Adrian: Bojan Emersic
Nena: Pertra Veber Rojnik
Little One: Sasa Mihelcic
Crate: Primoz Bezjak
Nikson: Valter Dragan
Jana: Ana Ruter
Max: Kanez Skof

Director: Matjaz Zupancic
Designer: Janja Korun
Choreographer: Matjaz Faric
Costume: Alan Hranitelj

2005-10-12 14:52:06