Voloz Collective’s production of The Man Who Thought He Knew Too Much is a masterclass in physical theatre. This gripping story combines mystery, farce, acrobatics and mime in a cinematic viewing experience that takes your breath away.
Their bodies emote beautifully, speaking the complex language of the play with wonderful fluency
Set in the chic 1960s, the play follows Roger, a Frenchman working in a New York advertising agency, and his entanglement in global assassination attempts that turns his ordered world into outrageous chaos. With the exception of Roger, the suit-clad company expertly multirole throughout the show, manifesting a vast range of extraordinary characters whilst simultaneously physically reenacting their constantly changing environment. The cast’s physicality is faultless: they transition from moment to moment using effortless movement, supporting one another by creating human structures that act as the scenic milieux for the play. Their bodies emote beautifully, speaking the complex language of the play with wonderful fluency.
One of the most remarkable aspects of the show is the actors’ accent work and multilingual dialogue. The cast transport Roger to Paris, Dallas, London, Siberia and a Norwegian fishing boat in the North Sea, all of which receive their own distinct portrayal in the heightened style of physical theatre. Imitating birdsong, phones ringing and lasers buzzing, the cast are not alone in their impressive vocal agility. Frederick Waxman’s live music accompaniment takes the show to the next level, accentuating marvellous moments of tension, suspense and calamity.
As well as being unbelievably entertaining, the play also considers some thought-provoking themes. As the audience suspend their disbelief through Roger’s miraculous ability to survive adverse circumstances, one considers the randomness of the universe and how one insignificant event can change the course of a lifetime.
It is astounding how just five people can make such captivating theatre. As the show comes to an end, one is left in awe of the company’s immense talent. The Man Who Thought He Knew Too Much is truly theatre at its finest.
