I don’t think I’ve ever seen anything like this. As you enter the Ovalhouse theatre for Smack That (a conversation), created and choreographed by Rhiannon Faith, you are entering a party. Helium-filled balloons are hanging from purple chairs, which are placed into a large square for the audience to sit on, we are offered drinks, candy and popcorn, and six performers in grey wigs and short dresses are inviting us to make ourselves comfortable. They even give us nametags. We are all called Bev, with a little something extra as well (I was “New shirt Bev”, as I mentioned I was wearing a new shirt). The gentleness and friendliness of the grey Bevs set the stage for a warm and solidary environment where you leave shame and any sense of ridicule at the door. This is so refreshing.
This is pretty much an immersive show, with the lighting design by Azusa Ono including the audience into the show and with games being played – never have I ever, pass the parcel. Between scenes, we are invited to share with our neighbour, just say hi, participate and dance. At the end of the show, I felt a strange connection to everyone in the room, like everyone was more open than when they had entered.
