★★★★★
Last Rites, co-devised by by Ad Infinitum’s co-artistic Director George Mann and Scottish-Singaporean theatre-maker and Deaf artist Ramesh Meyyappan, is a physical and non-verbal storytelling show celebrating the transformative power of grief and parenthood. Performed by Ramesh Meyyappan, this unique piece of theatre follows the story of Arjun, who has travelled from the UK to India to perform his father’s funeral rites.
In just 65 minutes, Meyyappan delivers a captivating performance including mesmerising memory sequences which transport the audience to his father’s kitchen and garden, to the temple and even take us along on a motorbike ride. His storytelling through precise and evocative movements not only envelops us completely into the memories, but fills the stage with a wealth of intergenerational characters. Meyyappan has an undeniable talent for expression through movement, truly embodying each character and the emotional landscape that comes with each interaction Arjun recalls.
This solo show is funny as well as deeply emotive; we laugh at the exploits of two schoolboys or a favourite aunty but are brought quickly back to the reality of Arjun’s loss. It is easy to become completely enthralled in the performance whether you are Deaf, hard-of-hearing, or hearing on account of the brilliant staging. The visual design of the piece is superb, with creative captioning and dynamic projection making the show accessible to all as well as emphasising key aspects of the narrative. Often, the visual landscape is used to represent Arjun’s experience of sound in combination with the soundtrack which can be felt as well as heard—utilising deep bass to create or dispel atmosphere.
Last Rites is reflective and powerful; shaped by Mann and Meyyappan’s own experiences of losing their fathers and of becoming fathers themselves, we see how grief can transform the dynamic between father and son and how parenthood can offer an opportunity to change familial connections for the better. As we see Arjun navigate the complexities of his relationship to his father, we mourn with him for a relationship lost too soon even in spite of its complexities. With a poignant repeated motif of the funeral rites, we too are reminded over and again of the grief at the end of each memory Arjun shares.
I am new to predominantly visual and non-verbal ways of storytelling and I entered the theatre filled with curiosity. I wondered if perhaps the show would be less impactful to me as a hearing person who does not use BSL, but any reservations I held quickly dissipated as Meyyappan took to the stage. The clarity and intricacy of his performance; each gesture, action or suggestion, was spellbinding. I would urge anyone to see this show and fall in love with the craft of theatre, performance and storytelling.
Last Rites is showing at Bristol Old Vic until 19 July, and will then tour to Bradford (22 July) and onto Edinburgh Fringe Festival (18-24 August).
Words by Martha Luke
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