one4review | On 17, Aug 2024

Witnessing N.Ormes felt like stepping into a world where bodies move like poetry, each gesture and lift carefully choreographed to convey a story that words could never fully encapsulate. Agathe and Adrien’s performance is a masterclass in physical theatre, where strength and delicacy are in constant dialogue, challenging and reshaping the audience’s perceptions of gender roles. The piece begins with familiar dynamics: Adrien, the taller and stronger of the two, serves as the base, lifting and supporting Agathe with effortless grace. But as the performance progresses, these roles shift, and the boundaries between male and female, strong and weak, become increasingly fluid.

The stage is sparsely lit, with a narrow spotlight cutting through the shadows, creating an intimate yet expansive atmosphere that draws the audience into the performers’ world. The music, a mesmerising mix of eclectic sounds, enhances this otherworldly ambiance, each note perfectly timed to match the ebb and flow of the performers’ movements. As Agathe and Adrien circle each other, lifting, balancing, and intertwining, it’s impossible not to be drawn into their silent conversation, one that speaks volumes about the complexities of relationships and the fluidity of identity.

As the performance reached its emotional climax, I found myself unable to distinguish between the two bodies on stage, a testament to the seamlessness of their interaction and the powerful play of light that blurred their forms. In one particularly breathtaking moment, Agathe takes on the role of the base, holding Adrien steady as he performs a one-handed handstand on her head. This reversal of roles is not only a physical feat but also a profound statement on the interchangeability of strength and vulnerability, regardless of gender.

N.Ormes is not just a performance; it’s an experience that challenges preconceived notions and invites the audience to question the rigid roles that society imposes. The synergy between Agathe and Adrien is palpable, their movements as fluid as the light that dances around them. By the end of the hour, I was left in awe, not just of their physical prowess, but of the deeper message woven into their every move. This is a piece that lingers long after the final bow, a poignant reminder that the lines we draw between ourselves are often far more fragile than we realise.

*****
Reviewed by Matthew
Assembly Roxy – Upstairs
17.15 (1hr)
Until 25th August (not 21st)