Given that Flaming Theatre were shortlisted for an award for innovation in theatre practices, it comes as little surprise that their approach to this Derek Jarman homage subverts dramatic convention (in a way the filmmaker himself might have approved).
On a decking stage that slowly peels away to reveal the shingle where the filmmaker, painter, activist and 'avant gardener,' spent the final years before his death a decade ago, six actors relive key moments of his life.
Language in the play is sparse, which means mime, song and loose elements of dance become primary narrative tools against a backdrop of video projection, forcing the audience to decipher these snapshots of a life lived through art and sexual awakening. But like most things that require work, the rewards, when you get them, feel well-earned.
The stage design, gradually revealing the beach until it encompasses the performance space, nicely portrays the idea that he was always en route to the coast at Dungeness, and the three actors who morph into Jarman through the years offer a convincing depiction. Echoes of his films in the performances are effective and work better than the song-anddance number and the heavyhanded use of multimedia.
All this theatrical innovation may be to the detriment of emotional depth, but this is an intriguing portrait, particularly for fans of Jarman's work.
Until Mar 6, Riverside Studios, Crisp Road W6, Mon to Sat 8pm, £12, £8 concs, Tue first 30 seats £5. Tel: 020 8237 1111. www.riversidestudios.co.uk Tube: Hammersmith
Jarman Garden
