Spellbinding Odyssey at Abbey Theatre

Odyssey - presented by Dauntless Evolution developed for Creative Explorers in partnership with GRIT Collective, supported by Nuneaton & Bedworth Borough Council, and Arts Council England. At Abbey Theatre, Nuneaton, from 5 - 7 September.

Review by Ann Evans.

I've used the word 'spellbinding' in the title of this review because it was a word I heard a lot last night after the show. The Dauntless Evolution team of five extremely talented young people held a Q & A after their performance, joined by Director Jacob Whitehorn and hosted by Simon Winterman. The word 'spellbinding' was used by many of the audience who asked questions and made comments.

And spellbinding this performance truly was. From start to finish the audience were totally focused on the action, movement and story-telling happening on stage. With the clever use of lighting, smoke, sound, music, voices, simple props and a set that leant itself to these performers being able to be at different levels, it was a show that made you think, made you come up with your own interpretations as one scene rolled into another.

The Director, Jacob Whitehorn said later, "It's been wonderful to see how people have connected. I try to give them enough so they understand, but leave it open for them to connect in their own way."

The story is about Alex who when unnerving visions of his past threaten to consume him, goes on a journey of self discovery to find hope lost long ago. The story touches on ancient myths and gods, stories passed down through history such as Pandora's Box, which when opened and released utter chaos, left only hope. And it was this feeling of hope that the company were (I think) implying.

Q & A with Dauntless Evolution following their performance of Odyssey at Abbey Theatre. Photo by Ann Evans.

Dance routines, singing, mime and choreography were breathtaking. There was not a single dull moment and the visions created on stage with lighting and sound created intense scenes of war, chaos, disasters, demonstrations, as well as love and peacefulness.

The ideas behind this production have come from the workshops that Dauntless Evolution have been engaged in over the last year - working with schools and colleges throughout Nuneaton. They have been discovering what is important to the town's future generations. They are hoping more young people will come along to the shows tonight and tomorrow (6 and 7 September) to see how their ideas have been a part of this amazing production.

Tickets are available - and you only pay what you want to pay. Book your seats here: https://www.abbeytheatre.co.uk/

To discover more about Dauntless Evolution, go to: www.dauntlessevolution.co.uk