Produced by Ontroerend Goed

Any with even the most passing of experiences with Belgian producers Ontroerend Goed will have one shared thought as they enter Funeral – that they have no idea what the legendary group have up their sleeves, and this is likely to be a rather intense show. And they’d be correct.  

Excelling with their experimental pieces of theatre and art, revelling in the unpredictable and dreamlike (or indeed, nightmare) theatre company Ontroerend Goed once more take a show where audiences can see the incredible work and thought behind it, but many may leave unsure with what they may have experienced, but no matter what, they depart with something – the M.O. of the group.

As we enter the Zoo Southside venue, we’re momentarily taken aback as we remember and offer up the names of our deceased. In a hushed, melancholy ceremony, which shifts the veil of grand stately ritual to a far more engrossing sense of cathartic atmosphere of rite and loss. This is less a performance, as it is a collective experience in mourning: performers are not so much acting, as they are implementors. The emotions are already present, they just aid in encouraging the audience to express it.

The initial moments have a hesitancy from the audience as they ‘feel’ out the situation, gradually though the pacing quickens as we come to a collective, tossing confetti to the winds and gradually acclimatising to the show, though never vocalised, the audience reacts and ‘knows’ as one. Though it may not be the boldest of the companies’ work, Funeral is one of Ontroerend Goed’s most reflective and moving. An entirely memorable and occasionally painful experience which is handled with an appropriate modicum of respect and sensitivity. 

In the hectic energy of the Fringe, Zoo Southside often holds a special place for key productions which may not be seen by the masses – Funeral is a moment away from the festival buzz, a stillness with which to recollect ourselves and ponder our memories but to move forward afterwards.