Physical Theater Festival Chicago presents THE RAVELING

In THE RAVELING , tables are the trustworthy set pieces.. One large table on wheels serves as dining area, birthing area, cave, platform, stretcher (the top is removable for portability). The table is pushed, pulled, dragged, overturned, upended with seamless synchronicity as eight performers move dexterously around the small black stage. There is no star in this performance. It is totally collaborative; in concept, in development, and in execution. It is also a piece “in development”.

Dreamlike origins at the Physical Theater Festival Chicago

THE RAVELING is about origins. At first, you think it may be the origins of a single large family gathered around the table to toast the present, their presence and their past. As the performance develops, individual characters relate memories , without reference to the relationships—like a disjointed dream. The a capella singing is mesmerizing. Usually it is sounds, not words, high pitched harmony or purposeful cacophony. The choreography is sometimes frenetic, sometimes languid, but with nary a misstep.

At the conclusion, the performers gather again and toast their group. Then they break the fourth wall and toast the audience; their origins and presence. In the opinion of this reviewer, that broke the spell they were trying to achieve. The lack of plot and dramatic arc in THE RAVELING makes it challenging to hold the audience. What kept us tuned in was the skill of the performances.