UK Theatre Network

WHAT IF...is a stunning new piece of work by artist, theatre maker and SHUNT director Layla Rosa & company. There is a simplicity of imagery from the opening that is compelling and is enhanced by a hypnotic soundscape, setting the atmosphere of the journey to come.

A lone rope hangs down at one end of the stage and on the other, a pair of glittery, silver high-heel shoes are bathed in light. TV screens on either side display looped images of women in veils and images of hands veiling and unveiling different women's heads.

The figure swathed in black and veiled who sits and on a high stool and sings to us is enigmatic and mysterious. Because of the veiling and complete covering of the body our focus goes to the expressive movements of her hands and feet in order to try to understand the feeling and meaning of the song. In fact, there is a strong emphasis throughout the show on hands and feet, as if the extremities are the only 'free' parts available to really express themselves until the final 'reveal' at the end, where it appears a transformation has taken place for the main protagonist of the piece.

The semi-autobiographical journey is never over-stated or explained, but instead we are left to make up our own minds about what the piece of work is saying and what we each take from it.

The aerial work in itself is simply outstanding. The fact that the performer is blindfolded makes the routines even more impressive how she literally 'feels' her way up the rope with her feet and lets herself drop back down from held positions to within inches of the floor.

Beautiful images remain long afterwards in your mind; the swing sequence is both exhilarating and poetic, and the mirroring dance with the 'Western' counterpart is inspired.

Imaginative, haunting and expertly constructed, it is a unique combination of disciplines that results in an independent and innovative voice, WHAT IF is one of a number or performances at Jacksons Lane coming up this season to celebrate these art forms.

For further information on future tour dates of WHAT IF :

www.cryingoutloud.com

Jacksons Lane theatre in Highgate has also just launched a brand new website www.jacksonslane.org.uk which is now live and means that Jacksons Lane’s audience can now book tickets online directly through the box office system at a reduced booking fee of only £2.