A.I.M [An Invisible Mission], Etcetera Theatre
Our Camden Fringe 2025 interview series is in full flow now, with more being published each and every day of July. We set ourselves a target of 100, so keep checking back to see all the new ones each day. You can find all all those currently published here.
ICA Theatre‘s A.I.M [An Invisible Mission] promises to take us into the shadowy world of espionage, all through a mix of mime and live soundscapes. It certainly sounds different, which is what we love about Camden Fringe, the chance to catch something utterly unique.
So we caught with Bai Zhijin (performer), Anja Longworth (director), Jess Perry (performer) and Jacob Moreton (writer), the team behind the show, to find out more about the show that will be playing at Etcetera Theatre from 1 to 3 August (tickets here).
What can audiences expect from the show?
Audiences will experience the memoirs of a rookie secret agent, as he puts his skills to the test, taking you on gripping missions and daring stunts as he aims to become the top of his game. This epic cinematic world is told solely through the medium of Mime and live soundscapes. No cameras. No CGI. Just two performers and a desk full of miscellaneous objects, conjuring up stake outs, car chases and high stakes missions, live on stage. Watch as Mime collides with live Foley artistry in this genre-bending homage to spy films. This is a fun, imaginative, layered show which will keep you guessing as to what could happen next…
Is Camden Fringe going to be the show’s first time on stage, or have you already performed elsewhere?
ICA performed a 20 minute R&D version of the piece at Rose Bruford College last May, before continuing to develop the show into a full length show for this summer. A.I.M [An Invisible Mission] previewed at FUSE International in June, which was the world premiere of the extended version.
What was your inspiration behind the show?
While working in Poland on physical theatre training, Bai realised that Mime can create a very cinematic experience, especially when combined with sound – anything is possible in Mime. So when it came to the original R&D process, we decided to test this aesthetic by taking inspiration from the action-packed world of spy films to see if there was a way of translating the blockbuster immersive experience to the stage. The initial challenge was to create everything onstage, without relying on CGI, camera work, or screens. Because of this, the show has a brilliant way of showing us how expansive collective imagination can be, and we want to go on that journey with an audience. (Also, Bai has always wanted to be in a spy movie.)
How long have you been working on the play?
The show started life in February 2024, and we performed a 20-minute version in May of that year, where we began to develop a technical language between the Mime and Foley aspects. We then decided to pick it up again at the start of this year, expanding our production, bringing on board a director and writer to expand the world of the Agent. Since then, we have added more human moments as well as quintessential – usually big budget action film sequences – expanding the show to a place which we can’t wait to share with live audiences.
How challenging has this role been for you?
This show requires a lot of concentration, as the Foley and Mime artists need to be completely in sync with each other for the whole show. Timing, memory and concentration are crucial in making the action come to life for this show.
What brought you all together?
We were all at the same drama school together, where we realised we worked well together! (Plus, we weren’t sick of each other after three years.) After graduating, Bai sent us each a message inviting us (should we choose to accept) to be part of a new iteration of the show.
Being a fringe festival, we all know sets have to be bare minimum, how have you got around this with your set and props?
Jess is a particularly resourceful magpie-like person who never throws away a ribbon. Her thrifty nature and curiosity for objects sounds, combined with the very economical medium of Mime, the set and props are a wonderfully affordable mix of recycled and imaginative solutions, perfect for a fringe performance.
What has been the biggest challenge in realising the writer’s vision for the show?
The process to create the show has largely been devised creating a back and forth between Jacob’s concepts and the possibilities with the style of performances. The main challenge was working out where dialogue is relevant within the show and how to integrate it in a way that will assist the Mime and Foley’s ability to translate the narrative to the audience.
How important is audience interaction to you?
When we first performed the show as a 20-minute performance, the audience reaction was very powerful and beyond anything we expected. We realised then that their imaginative investment was key in bringing the show to life. This creates a very personal experience with each different audience. This engagement is golden to us, and we take it seriously.
If your show had a soundtrack what songs would definitely be on it?
As we are trying to create a cinematic experience on stage, our show does have a soundtrack! Libertango by Astor Piazzolla is very integral to our show.
What is the weirdest or most unconventional prop used in your show?
Many random objects on the Foley artist’s table combine to create the soundscapes within our show. So the most unconventional prop used in our show would likely be a cheese grater and magnet combo. But can you guess how we might use it to tell one of the spy’s missions?
What’s the most valuable piece of advice you’ve received during your career, and how has it influenced your work on this show?
If you have an idea, before talking about it too much, get it up on its feet and try it. Too many times, ideas can be talked out of existence without actually seeing whether they work. Especially in the process of building this show, there were many times we tried ideas out that didn’t completely make the cut, but they always sparked something, which has helped shape the structure or the performances within the show.
What words of advice/encouragement would you give anyone thinking about doing Camden Fringe next year?
It’s not necessarily essential, but if you are considering doing a Camden Fringe show, even if it is a solo show, we would highly recommend building a team that you trust and can share the process with. This way, it isn’t just more fun, it spreads the workload and allows you to push the show’s boundaries.
Thanks to the team at ICA Theatre for sharing their time with us. A.I.M [An Invisible Mission] plays at Etcetera Theatre from Friday 1 to Sunday 3 August.
