Veterans of the French theatre scene, Vincent Courtois and Pierre Baux, are two rather extraordinary performers and I would thoroughly recommend that everybody watch this show.
Rock tells the story of the early punk rock movement in New York. Performed by a cellist and an actor, this mix of music, monologues, and poetry quite stunning. I am not an avid punk fan, yet this show managed to capture my interest from the moment Courtois started strumming his instrument under a single electric bulb. His cello-playing was unbelievably versatile and controlled, whether he was imitating an entire punk band with his cello or playing soft harmonics. His music was utterly enthralling, transporting one from a gloomy Edinburgh evening to a phantasmagorical world of sex, drugs, and music. His performance was incredible and provided a fascinating aural backdrop to Pierre Baux’s recollections.
Pierre Baux is also an astonishing performer. His performance was unpretentious and movingly honest and completely immersed the audience (all taken from the punk bible ‘Please Kill Me’) ; the manner in which he delivered them captured the audience’s attention permanently. Whether recalling the time he met Sid Vicious in the street while collecting a vacuum cleaner, or screaming ‘Sacré! Sacré !Sacré !’ with an astounding cello backing (perhaps my favourite moment of the show) I simply could not take my eyes off him even when he stopped talking for a few moments to swig whiskey.
Readers might wonder why I have not attempted to explain more of the plot. The truth is it is all rather manic and I feel that by explaining and revealing it I would ruin something of the piece’s magic. The only minor problem I can see with this show is that occasionally the level of the cello drowns out Baux’s voice. However, this is not a major distraction and the presence of subtitles (some of the show is in French) means that the great majority of Baux’s delivery is understood.
I realise that I have waxed rather lyrical over the past few paragraphs, however I must repeat: this is truly an amazing show. Go and see it.