Review: Tell Me, The Place

Sadiq Ali’s Company is a circus and performance-making company specialising in Chinese pole techniques. He uses circus techniques to interact with important social causes, so the subject matter is far from all the fun-of-the-fair here. Devised in collaboration with fellow performers Jonah Russell and Phoebe Knight, the show confronts perceptions around HIV Aids through striking visual assaults over the course of the one-hour runtime. The quiet, naturally-lit, intimate moments are made all the more impactful by this contrast.

Performed in, and often on, three red scaffold cubes, the show’s imagery is immediately arresting, with caging frames a recurrent theme. The virus itself is presented through much smaller, almost toy-like, red cubes.  Intense strobed lighting and illuminated red beams by Jamie Heseltine amp up the atmosphere to parallel the heightened fear around the virus. It is fraught to watch – most of all when the largest scaffold cube is covered in plastic and filled with smoke, through which the silhouette of a horned monster emerges. It is genuinely menacing, but in accordance with the destigmatising mission of the piece, the monster is dehorned and, through physical movement, a sense of peace, alliance or at least acceptance is established. To skewer the whole interaction, Ali himself, as the monster, is wearing PVC leather tight trousers paired with matching heels. There are elements of gay celebration and homoeroticism which are always complementary to the physical athleticism required for Chinese pole, aerial and other floorwork on display.  There are aspects of human connection to the work aside from the technical theatrical feats.     

The storytelling begins through Knight’s ‘character’ receiving a diagnosis. Early on, audio recordings are played to establish a few key story elements, but they are extremely limited. Fortunately, they’re not the sole means of creating narrative. Fluid motion between Knight and Jonah Russell initially sets a playful scene, tumbling across the stage. This childlike innocence doesn’t last long, though. Having Knight as the focal point of a literal infection is another important touchpoint when globally, adolescent girls and young women are disproportionately affected by HIV, despite it being commonly seen or depicted as a male disease.

The acrobatic skill and visual effects are riveting. For a practically non-verbal hour, the dissonant music, choral music with bagpipes at one point, from Guy Veale works in concert with the striking metaphors of the red cubes, smoke and overwhelming lighting.  They guide the audience when the narrative messaging becomes less obvious. The theatrical design is a triumph, while the performances, while sublimely skilled, don’t always convey the same clarity. Ali is the most elegant performer, though, constantly drawing the eye. 

Performed & Devised by Sadiq Ali, Phoebe Knight and Jonah Russell
Sound Design by Guy Veale
Lighting Design by Jamie Heseltine

Tell Me has completed its run at The Place, but is touring the UK in early February.