A GOOD GIMMICK PIECE

In a Fringe Festival packed with interesting treats, delights and unusual experiences, it takes a lot to stand out from the crowd. Local Auckland troupe, The Rebel Alliance, have chosen a sort of ANTI-publicity campaign of not releasing any details of their new show, Standstill, in the hope that their history of presenting quality work will get punters along to see it. 

I like a bit of pot-luck now and again, but when funds are tight, are you willing to take a gamble on your entertainment of an evening? There was certainly a respectable crowd eager to find out on opening night. I'm sure this season will tell if this approach has been successful or not. 

To spoil or not to spoil, that is the question. I guess I'm going to have to, so read on only if you're willing to have a few things about this secret show revealed.

Three actors – Candice de Villers, Brian Moore and Catherine Nola – enter the black space wheeling treadmills, plug them in and begin to run. They start relating stories inspired from real life all the while on the move. 

The futility of the situations are pretty clear early on, almost over-emphasised by the provocative constriction placed on them by the constant movement of the treadmills. The stories of each character created are interesting enough, but the metaphors are laid on a bit thick. Maybe a little less concentration of the trap of the mouse-wheel of everyday life and a bit more about the ultimate realisations and empowerment towards freedom would have given the production more forward drive. 

The actors are excellently controlled on the machines and it really is quite impressive that they sustain the performances with clarity while barely breaking a sweat or getting overly puffed. Some formal breathing training and fitness has clearly paid off for these performers. 

The climax of the play is awkwardly choreographed to music with minimal movement. The final release of freedom is somewhat powerful, but goes on a bit past its welcome.

This is essentially a good gimmick piece that has a mysterious publicity campaign. It probably needs a bit of tightening to give the work a little more forward momentum.