THEATRE

‘Analogue’ Theatre Companysensitively convey the real-life story of how a man becomes a scientific artefact. Inspired by the life, death, and legacy of patient HM; Henry Molaison, this fascinating performanceis creatively crafted, balancing style and substance to deliver a truly moving and impressive piece of theatre by an exciting company.

It is not weighed down by complicated neuroscience, and as the scenes are played out, intertwining memories with Henry’s (what I took to be Present tense) in a hospital with an incredibly patient nurse, the narrative itself becomes slightly unclear. We bear witness to really touching moments and superb acting, but most notably the chemistry between the cast, which keeps the shows momentum and drives the piece forward.

The beauty of the piece is secured by the clever use of the set and its slick scene changes; with a giant revolving and sliding gauze screen and their simple use of physicality to collapse into the floor as the screen passes over them.  Only at the end, where Henry’s brain ‘was cut into 2401 objects’ is the title’s significance chillingly revealed,and how the set itself is a perverse engorged replica of the brain slicer used to dissect Henry’s cranium. It isn’t until this final crucial moment, that the entire performance takes shape, and the piece’s brilliance is revealed through a powerful and moving climax.