Funeral

Ed Fringe 2023

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Ed Fringe 2023 -

Funeral - crafted by Ontroerend Goed - is an enchanting collective ritual, woven with intricate layers of emotion, introspection, and human connection and is nothing short of extraordinary. 

From the moment the lights dim and the audience is enveloped in darkness, Funeral casts its spell. The performance is a poignant exploration of the inevitability of mortality, deftly crafted to evoke both a sense of melancholy and a celebration of life. As promised, it begins in the dark, a powerful metaphor for the unknown that lies beyond our existence. This initial obscurity serves as a canvas upon which the rest of the experience unfolds.

As participants, we are not merely spectators; we are the ceremony. The mingling of greetings and goodbyes is a poignant reminder of the transient nature of our interactions. The company effortlessly blur the lines between reality and theatricality, inviting us to question the boundaries of existence and the masks we wear. The way light pierces through the shadows mirrors the way hope often finds its way into our lives, even amidst the darkest moments. Candles flicker like fragile lives, reminding us of our own impermanence. 

Ontroerend Goed have ingeniously crafted a new ritual that unites people in their shared human experience of finiteness, and is a poignant reminder that life's beauty lies in its fleeting nature, and it urges us to embrace each moment with a renewed sense of appreciation.

The collective energy radiates through the theatre, forging an unbreakable bond between performers and spectators. Each participant injecting authenticity and vulnerability into every gesture and expression.

In a world where the fear of mortality often looms, Funeral is a resounding affirmation of the beauty that emerges when we confront life's impermanence; a masterpiece that resonates deeply, reminding us that through shared experiences and collective reflection, we can find solace, connection, and a profound appreciation for the fleeting moments that define our existence. Funeral is not just a show, it's a transformative experience that will linger in the hearts and minds of its audience long after we sing goodbye.

Funeral is on at Zoo Southside on Aug 22-27 - tickets available here.

FIVE STARS

Photo by Ans Brys.