A Day In November is a beautifully controlled and tenderly delivered reflection on the mind’s descent towards death. We join the story on the final day of an aged puppet’s life; following our protagonist (the Old Man) as he embarks on the adventure of relearning the meaning of things. These include an excellent description of how to pickle cucumbers (his favourite food), through to rediscovering the ‘what was this’ (his old horn). Each comedic moment, from the childish games like catching a fish, or the inherent hilarity of his own feet is laced with the bittersweet knowledge that he’s laughed at the same joke hundreds of times before.This production is incredibly technically accomplished. The narrative skill of Ruben Gavanozov lulls the audience into the conceptual world of the puppet. His brief break for a Carlsberg is perfectly balanced by interludes in which the puppet sleeps in his umbrella, works on our imaginary forces by debating the day of the week, establishes the forest in which he lives, and defends his choice of tattered trainers. The stark red umbrella, the beautiful elderly puppet, the glistening gold horn, and the wooden frame of the window encourage the suspension of our disbelief further.For those with experience of living with a family member who suffers from dementia this production will strike a chord. An extended conversation between the Old Man and his own reflection in the horn was one of the most emotive moments I have experienced in theatre. “Do you like cucumbers?” he cries, remembering for that brief moment that he had previously lost them.It is to the credit of the storyteller that this dear old puppet was allowed the courtesy of going on his own terms. This was one of the most astonishing shows I have seen in three years at Edinburgh. And it made me cry. Poop poop poop poop poop.
