Theatre / Mayfest 2022
Mayfest 2022 Review, Be Part Of, Trinity Centre – ‘Beautifully questions the conflict between belonging and individuality’
Under the direction of Monika Truong, three Asian artists welcome you to their space in the immersive creative exploration, Be Part Of.
Before you enter the stage, LED lights are handed out, and the show has already begun. The main foyer of the Trinity Centre is filled with intrigue and potential as the audience wonders what is lying behind the tightly shut white doors. Behind those doors is a journey of self-exploration guided through three separate and thematically different rooms.
The three performers, Marque Pham, Minh Duc Pham, and Trân Tran, artfully own the space and lead the audience through this exploration using different artistic techniques and clever use of technology. Whether that is speech, movement, or transcendent German singing, they manage to capture the room, powerfully voicing their struggles of typecasting and isolation.
is needed now More than ever
https://www.instagram.com/p/Cb-LYsNoGe5/
But it is to be the audience that decides the theme of the final room. We are asked, what is it we want to “be part of”? Usually, moments like these will see actors try to stick to a script or timing, but within the space, the audience is in control and has complete autonomy over their decisions. This only enhances the show’s message of individuality and the power that it holds.
Truong shows artists that are slowly being restricted, as their art becomes more restraining. The beautifully produced spoken word grips the audience and leaves them with more questions about the nature of art. This state of inquiry is constant throughout the piece, from the moment we find ourselves walking into a space encased by silver foil to where we leave a different but similar room that allows us to explore their individuality.
Ultimately, this explorative piece of theatre by Truong manages wonderfully to portray the increasing conflict between belonging and individuality, whilst also allowing the audience to question this conflict within themselves.
https://www.instagram.com/p/CdOngl5qUB5/
Be Part Of is at Trinity Centre from May 19-21 at 7.30pm. Tickets are available at www.mayk.org.uk. The show is running as part of Mayfest. For more information about the festival programme and ticket links to all shows, visit www.mayk.org.uk/mayfest-programme.
Main photo: Linda Pollari
Listen to the latest Bristol 24/7 Behind the Headlines podcast:
Our top newsletters emailed directly to you
