Narc. Magazine Online
Reliably informed
Ben Robinson is immersed in the talented poet’s multi-layered world
Image by Richard Davenport
In one of the most stripped back, raw and real theatre encounters I have had, Inua Ellams bared his soul to the audience. His show, Search Party, is one filled with a sense of organised chaos as he allows the audience to see where the night will go.
From the second he entered the room there was an energy I picked up from him which immediately made me feel at ease. In what felt like it could be a living room hang out, Ellams takes the audience on a journey through his personal archive. Beginning with a chat to the audience which makes you feel right at home – Ellams then segues into some audience participation. Whilst Ellams may be the star of the show, the audience are certainly his guiding light. The apparent sense of enjoyment he got from allowing the audience to take the reins radiated back into everyone watching. It was easy to get lost in the show and forget you’re even at the theatre – a mark of truly a brilliant craftsman, if you ask me!
From here on out it was story after story from him – some occasional prose and poetry, and plenty of deep thinking. In fact, it was the deep thinking that got me most invested. Whilst usually I would head to the theatre to pause and watch a show which exists only in fictional realms, Ellams’ thought-provoking real-life pieces took my mind to a place of wonder – yet with this I still felt relaxed. With each word, particularly from his inspiring stories, I became abuzz with creative thoughts and ideas. It was the perfect space for any creatives to become motivated.
By the time the show ends he leaves you wanting just a little bit more. The perfect way to wrap up an hour of being immersed in Ellams’ incredible words. It truly felt like an honour to hear one of the country’s most talented writers take to the stage and embrace the audience into his world. A show that if you ever get the chance to see – then I would highly recommend it.
