Muscle

Though listed under physical theatre, Muscle feels more like theatre with some physicality thrown in. In fact, some of the physical pieces actually seem a little tacked on, it being obvious there are two or three cast members adept at balletically throwing themselves around. That said, this is an excellent production exploring the many facets of masculinity with a strong cast spanning across the ages—from the young and blue-eyed to the old and bespectacled—all of whom bring something slightly different to the show.

Comprised of various short scenes depicting different forms of violence, relationships and aggression, each is set to a backdrop of screens, wheeled to form houses, prisons and back alleys. It's simple but effective, and there really are moments of genius within these miniature scenes. One in which a man in a taxi confronting the children he assaulted and the wife he hates, constrasted with a taxi driver reminiscing about Gaddafi's army raping men's wives before their eyes, is especially moving.

The pieces remain stripped down to their bare elements: these are simply men telling their stories, trying to figure out why they are the way they are. A longer section depicting the troubled lives of three children from an abusive background is wonderfully realised with some elements of physicality used to great effect. Despite some instances, in which the dance-like scenes fail to fully capture visceral aggression, the subject matter is compelling, the performances admirable and the cast deliver an interesting—and important—piece of theatre.