Jessica Harris watches the Vamos Theatre production.
The pleasure of the every day, the significance of touching and caring, the value of friendship – all speak clearly through this production by Vamos Theatre. And yet, Dead Good packs in a lot of meaning without the use of a single spoken word. Vamos’s trademarks are the use of masks and the employment of mime to tell a story. The company’s expertise lies in not just delivering a narrative, but in using its trademarks to convey insight into characters and to portray feelings. Nuance is everything. A shake of the head, a point of the finger, and we know exactly what is meant.
Dead Good deals with the tough subject of the end of life and the process of dying, dealing with this with understanding and empathy. Bernard and Bob find themselves in a hospice, having both received a terminal diagnosis. Seemingly, they have little in common. But, determined to make the most of the time they have left, they take to the road for a final adventure.
The relationship is a prickly one but their shared experience is stronger than their differences. Full of life’s niggles and irritations, but also brimming with humour and playfulness, the trip is riotous. It’s seaside finale is accompanied by a soundtrack of crashing waves, mewling seagulls, and jangling funfair – and of the difficulties which Bob faces in having a wee. Through it, we see their friendship grow, and their affection for each other affirmed.
As events draw to their inevitable close, back in the hospice we are left with images, conveyed through poignant use of alternating lighting and blackout, that speak of how dying is part of life. And we are also left with reflections about the importance of humour in helping us connect with each other, and care for one another.
The joy of this production is in the physicality of the performers. Set and soundtrack play a supporting role to this. But the set, plain and minimalist, doubles as a screen for some well executed projections, showing the thrill of the road and the excitement of travel.
Dead Good was created over two years in collaboration with palliative care patients and specialists. Rachael Savage is the Artistic Director of Vamos Theatre.
Dead Good is on tour in the West Midlands and nationally until 5th March. Further information
Pic – Graeme Braidwood
