Review: PURPOSELESS MOVEMENTS, Tramway, Glasgow, February 26 2016

Directed by Robert Softley Gale, Purposeless Movements is the last production from Birds of Paradise theatre company. I was first introduced to Robert Softley Gale with If These Spasms Could Speak in 2013 and everything I have seen from him and Birds of Paradise has been consistently brilliant so I was really looking forward to their latest offering!

Purposeless Movements was a name the doctors gave to their symptoms of Cerebral Palsy and this piece of theatre questions who gets to decide which movements have purpose. The stories of the actors who all have Cerebral Palsy show how their impairment bonds them and they discuss the personality traits that they share. Although the writing is excellent, movement forms a crucial part of the performance. The piece flows brilliantly but has clear sections and topics that are covered. The different stories the men tell focus on how Cerebral Palsy affects their lives, their gender and their masculinity. They touch lightly on their speech and how it can be misheard. For example, referring to a partner as "the one I adore" was accidentally taken as "the one eyed whore".

Since I am familiar with the writer and production company I knew that this would not be a solemn affair. Purposeless Movements is wickedly funny and doesn't shy away from self deprecating humour. The performers explain how they sometimes try and make people laugh to put them at ease. There are several poignant moments throughout the piece and it can be a bit of an emotional roller coaster at times.

As with all Birds Of Paradise productions, Purposeless Movements is hugely accessible. The performance is BSL interpreted, subtitled and the venue is wheelchair friendly. Tramway is a great space and the lighting by Neil Foulis is outstanding. I loved the onstage musicians and the music was the perfect accompaniment to the performance. Purposeless Movements is a beautifully crafted and innovative piece and I really hope to be able to see it again!

Purposeless Movements has performances in Glasgow, Edinburgh and Inverness.

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