James Thierrée and La Compagnie Du Hanneton have returned to the Edinburgh International Festival with ‘ROOM’. A new piece of theatre that rejects a plot yet conveys an array of music and movement that takes us on an entirely unique journey. Created, directed, and performed by James Thierrée, ‘ROOM’ is at King’s Theatre from 13th-17th August.
Thierrée has built a world on stage that bewitches the audience from the start. The piece begins with towering flats, furniture and instruments strewn across the stage. It appears unfinished. Then the set comes alive as cast and stagehands constantly rearrange the flats to create differently shaped rooms, while utilising the props for
comedic moments and using the instruments to play original music (also composed by Thierrée). Most of the music is in the style of jazz which reflects the ever-evolving room and the creativity with which the company moves around the stage. Thierrée portrays a man who is never fully satisfied with the design of his room. He spends much of the piece getting frustrated with other characters who cannot understand his vision and like to challenge his instructions. He does an excellent job of involving the audience in the scenes. Thierrée’s witty lines were always met with
laughter. His physicality was a particular highlight. He moved with a fluidity and sharpness that was entrancing. He climbed around doorframes, fought with music stands and swung in the air with playfulness and spontaneity that delighted the audience.
The ensemble was also an exceptional troupe. (Anne-Lise Binard, Ching-Ying Chien, Mathias Durand, Samuel Dutertre, Hélène Escriva, Steeve Eton, Maxime Fleau, Nora Horvath, Sarah Manesse and Alessio Negro.) They had a flexibility that appeared effortless and ascended the set pieces so nimbly you never noticed them until they were atop the walls, calling to Thierrée. They travelled around the set in such a way that the people and the objects were one entity. It was mesmerizing. Additionally, the vocals provided for the songs were stunning and the instruments were played so freely It was clear that music was second nature to these performers.
‘ROOM’ does a great job of including funny moments without it becoming purely comedy, and it features numerous songs without it becoming a musical. In truth this piece fits no genre fully, and that is the whole point of it. Thierrée assures the audience of as much when he announces that he’ll explain what the room is about…and he ultimately never does. It is more to be enjoyed than interpreted.
The lighting and costumes also deserve a mention. The lighting (designed by James Thierrée, Lucie Delorme and Samuel Bovet) used to shift from a comedic mime to a chaotic dance is very slick. It kept the pacing in the right place and ultimately enhanced the sense of excitement and unpredictability that came from the show having no specific storyline. The costumes (designed by James Thierrée and realized by Laurette Picheret and Sabine Schlemmer) are varied and beautiful. Every item of clothing was inspired by a different era or culture. One character was dressed in a fitting black silk dress reminiscent of old Hollywood, whilst another was dressed in a white corset with countless skirts that echoed 18th century French fashion. Not only were they visually beautiful, but they were also deeply contrasting. Thierrée notably wore black and white throughout the show which reinforced his own character’s indecisiveness about how he wanted his room.
Overall, ‘ROOM’ was a wondrously unique piece of theatre that captivated its audience from beginning to end. It was whimsical and surprising and left me simply awestruck by how one space can hold so many possibilities.
Tickets:
Theatre Scotland 
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