Performed by Alexis Rouvre
Review by Hunter King
As the Imaginate Festival continues to thrive, I had the pleasure of making my way to the Traverse Theatre for the Belgian Theatre company, Modo Grosso’s production Everything/Nothing. Advertised for seven-to-eleven year olds, Everything/Nothing takes place in an abnormally structured Traverse 2, with the audience on amphitheater style stadium seating where the stage normally is, facing a very dark boxed in canopy where Alexis Rouvre our sole performer is quietly playing with a seemingly unending strand of yarn. As the show began, we were quickly shown that this show was going to be quite dark (of course only in the sense that the room was dimly lit, it is a family show after all.)
Rouvre is able to manipulate his body flawlessly, as well as the objects that make their way to the stage. The show itself is a well-oiled machine mixing the innovative nature of common items as seen in The Blue Man Group with Rouvre having the physical whimsy of Curious George. The technical aspects of the show are immaculately designed and timed to make every effect work in a way that looks like it is defying the laws of physics.
Certain aspects of the show were certainly stronger than others. The scene where Rouvre uses three rocks and controlled blackouts is perhaps the most impressive. It is worth noting however, that this scene in particular, but the show in general would be quite difficult for photosensitive viewers (something that I could not find listed on the website or in the venue.) That said, the strobing lights are able to create effects that will leave both children and adults alike in awe.
This brings me to my biggest point to make is that the show is brilliantly designed but marketed in a way that feels slightly disjointed from the production. Obviously, with it being part of the Imaginate festival, it would only make sense for the show to be marketed for children, but largely this show makes the most sense as a family show, and has some moments with sound design and flashing lights that can be a bit intimidating (while also mesmerizing) for the younger range of children that Imaginate had suggested, but certainly would entertain the masses much older than the older end suggested by the festival.
With all of these things in mind, it is worth noting that the show is absolutely excellent and operates so smoothly that it is almost hard to believe that it is happening live before your eyes. Rouvre is an absolute exemplary performer and illusionist and will surely continue to impress children and adults in many more venues (and with any luck, countries) to come.
Absolutely Excellent
Everything/Nothing runs at The Traverse Theatre, as part of the Edinburgh International Children’s Festival until June 7th
Running time: Sixty minutes without interval
Photo Credit – Modo Grosso
Review by Hunter King (contact@corrblimey.uk)
Hunter is a 2024 Master’s graduate of the University of Edinburgh and current doctoral candidate with a thesis focused on experimental theatre in Edinburgh. He has been a theatre practitioner for over a decade having worked in many capacities including as a director, actor, stage manager, front of house manager, and technician as well as others. Prior to moving to Edinburgh, Hunter was a high school English teacher in the United States. His passion for the written word as well as his passion for live performance are what motivated him to become a writer for this publication.
