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A new approach to Lear
My Perfect Mind
Birmingham Rep Door
**** My Perfect Mind
is a unique and wonderful production by the endearing company
Told by an Idiot.
With a previous success
of Don’t Try This at Home,
recently performed at The REP, this production is just as fun-filled and
extremely touching. It is a two-man show ln which. through the
exploration of Shakespeare’s King Lear, Edward Petherbridge and Paul
Hunter reflect a struggle between what the body is able to do versus the
power of the mind. The concept of the show takes inspiration from
Edward Petherbridge, an esteemed and talented classical actor due to
play the role of King Lear, but who suffers the effects of a stroke. Whilst in the process of recovery, Petherbridge
discovers that his Lear was not entirely lost. In fact, the role was
still completely present in his mind. The moving tale resulted in a
story never told before, and with playful direction by Kathryn Hunter in
an imaginative style that is a hallmark of this company, it is a
production that you won’t forget any time soon. My Perfect Mind is a wonderful celebration
of The Bard’s great work, but also sheds light on an individual’s
determination, perseverance and tells us to look on the bright side. The renowned and exquisitely talented Edward
Petherbridge plays both himself, King Lear and any other character that
bursts into his mind while Paul Hunter plays every other part in
between. Both actors work in harmony with each other to
fashion an atmosphere of creativity and fun, setting off fireworks of
inspiration. Hunter and Petherbridge invite us into their wonderful
space with open arms. Constantly talking to the audience they make us
feel that we have an equal part in the company with the players. Amongst
the laughter and fun, there is a story that is just as moving.
Petherbridge and Hunter are masters of leading us through a journey of
emotion as they relay the story of Petherbridge’s recovery, also staying
true to the awe inspiring tragedy of King Lear. Told by an Idiot celebrate Petherbridge’s
past successes and current talent as we see a focused and emotive
portrayal of Lear. Hunter captures our hearts and imagination as the
narrator of the piece, including resembling those who have influenced
Petherbridge’s life, and indeed the many characters in King Lear. Petherbridge and Hunter’s on stage relationship
is another element to the magic that Told by an Idiot never fail
to produce. One truly captivating moment was during a portrayal of the
final scene of Lear, Petherbridge playing the king and Hunter playing
Cordelia. Both had an awe inspiring understanding for each other to
create a heart-stopping scene of intensity that stripped the audience of
breath. Throughout the production, the perfect balance was created with
an enlightening artistic flare with the ability to move the audience to
the height of emotion. The performance space is a reflection of Told
by and Idiot’s unruly imagination. The set is literally a blank
canvass, allowing for their sparkling minds to thrive and play out
whatever they like. Both actors make the set their own playground. At
first the audience see a white sheet, but it soon becomes the embodiment
of colour as Petherbridge and Hunter use it as a canvas for their
imagination to run wild. Told by and Idiot are beautiful innovators
of art and always push the boundaries of the imagination. My Perfect
Mind is a totally engaging production, constantly allowing the
audience to feed off their instant creativity. As well as being an
emotional exploration into King Lear, we see a wonderful piece filled
with charm, laughter and fun. To 08-11-14 Elizabeth Halpin
04-11-14
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