JUSTUS Neumann puts the WOW into theatre experience.

Thirty years ago he made a lasting impression with his one-man performance of “Kill Hamlet”; performing with such clarity and power to embed lasting images into the memories of anyone who saw it. This time Neumann has achieved an even more resonant presentation with “Alzheimer Symphony”.

Such is his depth of characterisation that time, movement and objects forge an indelible imprint in the mind of the viewer. The audience is privy to the inner workings of the frightening isolated world of Alzheimer’s Disease. Yet such is the humanity of Neumann’s performance that we are entertained and held with moments of real comedy and enduring pathos. The integrity of the performance ensures the full range of associations that such a human condition can evoke.

The interaction with a genius design contraption to illustrate this isolation is a cause for wonder and an example of just what theatre can achieve in ways no other art form can! It would be a shame to try and describe this feat in a short review. Needless to say, in the hands of a lesser performer the mechanism might have been a distraction. In Neumann’s control, it is the perfect device to illustrate the themes of the work.

The parallels with King Lear are captured in a constant referencing that has moments of high comedy; illustrating the exemplary construction of the text. It also provides Neumann with a vehicle for some excellent vocal delivery and a means for creating a picture of a highly intelligent and cultured man and his struggle with decline.

“Alzheimer Symphony” is a powerful reference point for our humanity and represents the highest level that theatre can achieve. It is more than WOW! It is a deep sigh…