This powerful, emotional, lovingly crafted gem is not one to miss
Ephemeral Ensemble have created something wonderful. By focusing on the work of forensic anthropologists in Latin America and inspired by the testimonies of refugees and migrants, they have managed to shed light on the revolutionary actions of all of those who have fought against tyrannical regimes and lost their lives in the process. Using a few well-placed props, puppetry and Alex Paton’s onstage score, not just a whole world, but a whole history is brought back to life.
The show itself is only an hour in length, and zips by with direction by Ramon Ayres which feels thoughtful without being slow. Beginning with an introduction, a getting-to-know the audience and us getting to know the performers (Andres Valesquez, Eyglo Belafonte and Louise Wilcox – all wonderful), there is a sense of communion being forged before we collectively go on a journey together. The house lights go off and we are welcomed into, firstly, the world of the scientist then, through the discovery of a jacket, into the life of its original wearer.
The story jumps back and forth in time while slowly the history of the person who has been found comes to life, along with the continuing grief of the family who have no answers and no closure. This is most closely inspired by the Mothers of the Plaza de Mayo, and their protest in trying to recover their relatives from the Enforced Disappearances enacted upon them by Jorge Rafael Videla’s military dictatorship in Argentina. Josephine Tremmeling’s inspired lighting consistently feels inventive and exciting. I particularly enjoyed the use of projection and how it was often built onstage. So too with Paton’s music being built piece by repeating piece before us. This is theatre that shows you it’s belly and dares you to suspend your disbelief anyway.
And why not? Isn’t that the job of the forensic anthropologist? Not to use magic, or the unknowable to construct a narrative, but piece by piece to uncover a story that otherwise would have been lost, and in doing so forming a historical memory of rebellion. And yet it is magical – the use of puppetry to tell of a meeting between the scientist and the person they uncover was truly emotional, dancing and music in place of protest highlighted the community and freedom available to those who rebel against oppression, confetti has never looked so brutal. Ephemeral Ensemble consistently challenge the audience to lean into the action and the payoff is raw, affecting and unapologetic.
There are only so many ways I can say that this show needs to be seen with full houses by as many people as possible so suffice it to say that this is not one to miss. It’s running until the 10th February at the New Diorama Theatre. Book it. Book it now.