I am so seldom excited by what is happening in theatre today. However, I am still kept warm to the thought of what is possible through my memories of Moscow’s BlackSkyWhite performing Bertrand’s Toys in Edinburgh in, I think, ’95 or ’96. (Edit. Thanks Dougie for correcting me – it was in fact 2000)
This was a real eye opener for how very little light, a lot of noise, energy and physical commitment could result in something truly transformative, even in a relatively humble performance space. All this time down the line and I have still seen nothing to compare!
This Youtube clip gives little away of the intensity this small troupe can arouse, but is suggestive…
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Doing some random surfing, I uncover this blog, hosted by le dood Begg — who in attempting to gain free entry to review 'Bertrand's Toys' in Edinburgh's 'relatively humble' Infirmary St. venue — I recall challenging him [heh heh] for his media-related credentials…
Hello Mike, its been a long time, but if memory serves me correct, blackSKYwhite performed 'Toys' much later — in August 1999 [or 2000] at the above-mentioned Rocket-Demarco joint…
Oui, it was a blisteringly loud, yet wholly mesmerizing show — quite unlike anything you'd find round hereabouts, or indeed, UK-wide…
The troupe lived in my [then] Restalrig house for 2 weeks, guzzling Korean noodles to maintain fitness levels [sic], and so it pleases me to know you've seen nothing to compare with ‘Toys’ eversince then…
I just checked, it WAS August 2000 mon ami, but I appear to have mislaid all the press reviews — and also a web URL where you can view it in its dimly-lit entirety, and not truncated in YouTube's 6-parts…
If you or anyone out there finds that site, please post…
"Spacebo" for the accolades, and for pricking my ever-failing memory banks Mike, and here's wishing you all best things…
"Diaghilev O'Boogie"
Hi D,
A welcome surprise to hear from you and do rest assured that your efforts with BSW have left a profound impression on me!
Thanks for correcting me on the date, it was indeed 2000. Time was never my strong suit!
I did find a better clip of the show…
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vqplw_8hCtQ
but I'm unaware of any "complete" version.
I will actually be meeting with Dimitri and the crew in London in January as they'll be using some Human Greed recordings in their performance at the London International Mime Festival. I'll ask about existing film footage.
Take care – keep in touch!
M