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Hidden Door

Leith Theatre / State Cinema, Edinburgh
Four stars

In the cheap seats of the balcony of Leith Theatre, a couple dance their way through what looks like a first date pas de deux as part of the opening performance of this year’s ten-day Hidden Door arts festival. Once the couple wander off for more private moments, downstairs in the auditorium, another couple take over in a more urgent and less loving scene. So it goes throughout this series of pop-up duets choreographed by Janis Claxton. There is solo dance too between bands, with the electronic score to Shhe presaging the live set by The Orb’s Dr Alex Paterson later on.

Over at the old State Cinema, the main theatre programme features Plutus, an Aristophones-inspired game show named after the Greek god of wealth. Hosted by naff 70s style quiz hosts Charlie and Chris, the pair ask the audience to answer questions about money, wealth and poverty. Beyond the cheesy gags and mystery star prizes, the questions are a gateway to a deadpan meditation on global inequality, with Charlie’s between-round monologues taking an increasingly dark turn before the show’s point is brought home. With a full theatre and dance programme to come and art of all kinds lining every corner of both venues, Hidden Door is even more priceless.

The Herald, May 28th 2018

ends


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