Although I had already previewed Folds, I didn’t quite know what to expect. I couldn’t get my head around why or how paper could be the inspiration behind an entire show. However, Spanish theatre company Enfila’t silenced any doubt that I may have had with an exceptional performance; Folds is a multi sensory, four-person show, which takes ingenuity to the extreme.
The creative use of paper involves tight ropes, card board box ladders and paper trumpets, each element of the piece so well conceived you are excited to see what else can be done with something so ordinary.
It is not just a master class in paper; I was also delighted with the inclusion of complex (but seemingly effortless) dance. Each performer having an excellent sense of synergy, which was particularly apparent when at various points a metal contraption was brought to the stage, and impressive acrobatics were performed with precision and grace.
A vast array of instruments were played throughout the performance, and to heighten the chaos each performer spoke in a different language to one another, this added a comical element as they accentuated a stereotype in a charming way.
A group of children were near the front row and they absolutely loved it, particularly when a mass paper fight broke out between the performers and the audience – I adored this sense of playfulness and couldn’t recommend it enough to families looking for entertainment over the Christmas period.
Folds
By Enfila’t
Tuesday 17 – Tuesday 31 December 2013, times vary please check website for details
Southbank Centre’s Purcell Room
Tickets £18 (Concessions 50% off)
Box Office: 0844 847 9910
www.southbankcentre.co.uk/whatson/folds
Cast list:
Manolo Alcántara
Xabi Eliçagaray
Claudio Inferno
Karl Stets
Original idea by Manolo Alcántara and Xavier Erra
