What’s on Southwest on The Fahrenheit Twins
Told by an Idiot, renowned for their innovative and creative theatrical invention, have chosen to adapt a short story by Michel Faber for their latest production.
The Fahrenheit Twins live somewhere in the Arctic Circle where their parents, both anthropologists, are studying the local inhabitants. There are no other children to play with and they suffer from benign neglect - or perhaps not so benign from their father.
Although they are given a compass in order to find their way in the snowy wilderness neither parent directs or shapes their lives. Having heard about the Tree of Knowledge they naively think that they can grow one by planting academic papers. Unfortunately their mother dies. Their father seems indifferent and instructs the twins to take her to the edge of the island and bury her.
I have not read this particular story by Michel Faber but this production directed by Matthew Dunster, vividly captures his macabre, comic and elusive style. Just as the apparently empty Arctic landscape holds many secrets, Naomi Wilkinson’s remarkable set holds many surprises. From the pristine whiteness assorted props appear, clocks, toothbrushes, helicopter wreckage, food boxes, mice, hats, spears, and so on, they are deftly put away leaving just the white emptiness. Metaphorical no doubt, yet fascinating to watch.
Hayley Carmichael and Paul Hunter play the twins with skill and sensitivity avoiding all the pitfalls of adults playing children. They also play the neglectful parents, the huskies and the foxes with equal conviction. Displaying the quality of performance that we expect from this lively and interesting company, they tell this unusual tale with great clarity.
There is a rich and complex soundscape from Gareth Fry and ethereal lighting, designed by Philip Gladwell.
Told by an Idiot have not lost their touch.
Pat Lower - What’s on Stage Southwest, 2 October 2009