Moon Project at Ovalhouse

Moon Project is a captivating new piece from Stillpoint Theatre, devised by Rachel Blackman. 

Blackman, whose previous work Triptych: Three Attempts at Love was the Sunday Times’ choice at the Brighton Festival in 2011, was inspired by David Singleton’s NASA documentary In the Shadow of the Moon: 

“Something surprising bubbled up in me whilst watching this small band of now elderly ex-Apollo mission astronauts, attempting to describe one of the most seminal and extraordinary experiences of their lives: landing on the moon and returning to earth. It seems the experience of returning to earth was a mixed blessing for many of them…with such a small band of people on the planet to compare notes with…there seemed a kind of loneliness in the experience.”

Moon Project explores the idea that a crisis can often act as a catalyst, setting much needed changes in motion. The play’s two characters, Leila (Blackman) and Shahab (Jules Munns), are unhappily trapped in their own routines until an unexpected event brings them together, with a surprisingly positive outcome. Both characters are easy to relate to and the play’s dialogue is witty, filled with many hilarious anecdotes of daily life that will, at times, have the audience in stitches. 

The production is described as being influenced by ideas of “space travel, peak experience and radical shifts in perspective”. The characters’ personal journeys are explored using traditional monologues and movement, as well as more imaginative visual devices, keeping viewers mesmerised. 

The enthralling atmosphere created by the talented cast is heightened by its poignant soundtrack and the clever minimalist set design devised by Pearl Bates.

Warm and life-affirming, Moon Project tells a story that will keep audiences amused and enchanted – the actors’ inspired performances are a real pleasure to behold. This play is highly recommended to anyone who enjoys thought-provoking contemporary theatre.

Melanie Weaver

Moon Project is at Ovalhouse until 16^th November 2013. For further information or to book visit the theatre’s website here.