Physical theatre can be beautiful and evocative and stimulating without the need for dialogue. The premise of Sans Mots, or 'without words', offers a platform to showcase the best of physicality without dilution by speech. Unfortunately, it was a wasted opportunity.Instead of forgoing words altogether, our valiant one man performer (Matteo Cionini) mixes interrupted speech with infantile nonsense and imbecilic mutterings in an attempt to communicate where his physical expression falls down. The nonsense-speak concept could have fitted in with the theme of 'without words', but needed more intelligent structure and forethought.The principal skill of a mime, or indeed any actor of physical theatre, is precision. Where words are not available to communicate meaning, the audience relies on the exact expression in the face and body to follow a story. I have never seen a less precise physical performance. The endearingly floppy Cionini appeals to the audience like a lost puppy as he tries to make them understand that he wants them to sing happy birthday. Until that point he had been merely bouncing ineffectually around a sparsely and enigmatically decorated set.Two of the three sketches played by Cionini are inspired in their conception, but all are sadly lacking in execution.
