The first thing to say about this production of Samuel Beckett’s Cascando is that it does not take place in the Jermyn Street Theatre auditorium.
Instead, that space becomes the place where we become part of the promenade performance, wearing a long black cloak with hood up, headphones and a small audio player clipped to the cloak.
In half an hour, we slowly walk in single file, in step with the person in front, as we walk the streets around the theatre and the perimeter of St James Square. A guide from the Pan Pan Theatre Company walks in front.
The recording of Cascando, in text and music, is new. Written originally for radio, the piece is typically Beckett, slightly depressive, definitely reflective, certainly creative.
Crossing roads in front of black taxi cabs looking like a line of ravens, we immerse ourselves in the work as passers-by look at us and we navigate lampposts, prams, and other pavement obstructions.
We are around fifteen people on this walk. I was fourth in line and once I stopped battling with my oversized hood, I could settle into the rhythm of walking feet and Cascando‘s text.
It is often startling, often hypnotic. Yes, you could stage Cascando as another theatre did with Dylan Thomas’s Under Milk Wood, presenting it in darkness, but this is more a piece that allows us to belong within it.
The recording ended as we approached the theatre, the final moments of Pure silence except for the rustle of cloaks and the beat of shoes.
I did glance behind me at one road crossing to get the sense of what bystanders would see. But it was simple to concentrate on the play on a quiet Sunday afternoon; less so, I imagine, on a busy weekday evening.
The colour black does seem to gain respect in his funereal shade and oppressive darkness. It would be easy for someone to break the line, block the procession, ask what’s going on.
No one did. Our walk with heads bowed, seemingly in silence, probably looked odd but the taking part of it was fascinating.
The first English production, for radio, took place in 1964, featuring Denys Hawthorne and Patrick Magee. It has no connection to Beckett’s 1936 poem of the same name.
Gavin Quinn is the director behind this, produced by Pan Pan. His clear affinity with Beckett’s work comes through at every turn.
The two voices of Cascando, Opener and Voice, are played in this recording by Daniel Reardon and Andrew Bennett, while Jimmy Eadie is responsible for the music and sound design.
It’s a remarkable achievement from the Irish company, who thrive on new and startling performance ideas, and have created nearly 60 productions so far.
Cascando runs until 13 September with tickets available here. Due to the limited number available per performance, I’d say don’t hesitate!
Beckett fans will love it, and so will those looking for something new ‘at the theatre’.
5 stars.
Photo credit: Jermyn Street Facebook / Greta Zabulyte