Theatre / action hero
Hoke’s Bluff
Action Hero is a long-term collaboration between Gemma Paintin and James Stenhouse. This Bristol based duo have toured their work nationally and internationally receiving enthusiastic reviews and gaining ever more fans as they go.
‘Hokes Bluff’ is a witty and knowing re-imagining and representation of corny American sports films. The films where underdogs triumph over adversity, college sports heroes are riddled with self doubt. and where the coach wants to win the state championships and talks ‘inspirational’ goobledegook to gee up his team. Whether a fan of this cinematic genre or not, the references are so engrained in our cultural consciousness that they are instantly recognisable and easily subverted.
When the audience entered the Bristol Old Vic Studio they were greeted by the Hoke’s Bluff Wildcats mascot dancing to an appropriately uplifting song and an impassive referee standing stock still.. Once the wildcat metamorphosed into the coach the intentions of the piece were clear. The sport the Wildcats played was never defined, it could have been ice hockey, football or baseball, this shifting focus was effective as it emphasised that all sports have a unique, common language which is impenetrable to an outsider.
Paintin and Stenhouse’s energy throughout the piece was impressive and exhausting. They engaged the audience throughout, some more than others who became part of the action on stage but this was done with charm and brio. Their refusal to affect American accents was notable but a relief and underlined the universality of the themes they explored.
Action Hero could have taken the easy route and simply created a comedic parody. However the sincerity of the performance ensured that the audience understood the points and intentions of the piece. In the vein of arch-surrealist film maker David Lynch the comedy underscored their exploration of the emptiness and unrealistic expectations of the all American dream. And that it is possible to be a winner without being a success or a hero.
‘Hoke’s Bluff’ was a well scripted, performed and devised piece, professionally produced and engaging. Well worth an hour of anyone’s time.
Hoke’s Bluff was at Bristol Old Vic from 8-11 Oct.
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