Spent

reviewed by Paula Citron
__________________________

Spent
Theatre Smith-Gilmour
Created by Michele Smith, Dean Gilmour, Ravi Jain and Adam Paolozza
Directed by Smith and Gilmour
Performed by Jain and Paolozza
Factory Studio Theatre until Oct. 25
__________________________

Dean Gilmour and Michele Smith are masters of physical theatre. For the brilliant show Spent, they collaborated with Ravi Jain and Adam Paolozza who have long credits of their own as actors and directors. Jain and Paolozza are the performers, with Gilmour and Smith as directors.

The show is a potpourri of physical theatre, mime and clown. It begins with the breakdown of the global financial situation and then goes on an imaginative journey, following two former business executives to heaven, hell and just deserts. The reality of reporters covering the collapse of Lehmann Brothers is just plain funny. The journey is fantastical and whimsical.

The brilliance of the show is how two human bodies can create whole vistas of images through movement and André du Toit’s innovative lighting. Spent is an utterly engaging hour because it is smart and witty. Jain and Paolozza are charismatic performers.

Spent is first class theatre from powerhouse creators.

Spent continues at the Factory Studio Theatre until Oct. 25.