Imagine walking into a local pub, where the sounds of laughter and chatter fill the air, and the smell of beer and pub food wafts through your nostrils. You’re not just a patron, though – you’re part of a unique dance theatre experience, one that promises to be like no other. This is “Lay Down Your Burdens,” a production that breaks down the barriers between audience and performer, creating an immersive and thought-provoking evening that will leave you reflecting on the human experience. The brainchild of director and choreographer Rhiannon Faith, this show is a true collaboration between the company and its creator, resulting in a complex and multifaceted performance that will keep you on the edge of your seat.
As you enter the performance space, designed to resemble a traditional pub, you’re immediately drawn into the world of the characters. The cast mingles with the audience, chatting and laughing as they take their seats, making you feel like you’re part of the gang. Some lucky audience members even get to sit at round tables, reminiscent of a classic British pub, while others are seated in a more traditional theatre setup. The use of a simple red sticker allows audience members to opt out of participation, ensuring that everyone feels comfortable and included. Sara, the landlady, sets the scene, introducing the regulars and giving us a glimpse into their lives, making us feel like we’re part of the community. As the night wears on, the drink flows, and the happiness is palpable, but it’s not long before the arrival of a brooding American stranger disrupts the proceedings, bringing a sense of intensity and darkness to the performance.
As the story unfolds, we begin to see that each of the characters is carrying their own burdens, and it’s the exploration of how they support each other through these struggles that makes “Lay Down Your Burdens” so compelling. The concept may not be new, but the way it’s executed is both nuanced and powerful. The characters’ outwardly happy demeanors are skillfully contrasted with their inner turmoil, conveyed through a range of interpretative dance styles, from balletic to harsh, jerky solos. The cast is uniformly excellent, with standout performances from Shelley Eva Haden, who brings a sense of trauma and sadness to her routines, exploring her troubled childhood. The use of music and sound design is equally impressive, with a mix of recordings, live guitar, and violin perfectly complementing the movement and interactions of the cast.
One of the most striking aspects of “Lay Down Your Burdens” is its ability to balance humor and pathos. The show veers seamlessly from light-hearted moments, such as a pub quiz and karaoke, to darker discussions about death, abandonment, and more. The humor is well-observed, and the audience is often left laughing out loud, while the more serious moments give us time to reflect on what’s been said. This alternation between light and dark may be puzzling at times, but it never detracts from the overall experience, instead adding to the show’s complexity and depth. As the performance draws to a close, the audience is even invited to participate, with some of their reactions played back, creating a sense of community and shared experience.
The fact that “Lay Down Your Burdens” has been devised by the company together with Rhiannon Faith is evident in the show’s slightly confusing delivery. At times, the mix of banal pub standards and dark discussions can be bewildering, but this only adds to the show’s sense of realism and authenticity. The characters are multidimensional and flawed, just like real people, and their stories are both deeply personal and universally relatable. As the evening draws to a close, you’re left feeling like you’ve experienced something truly unique and special, a show that will stay with you long after the curtain call.
In short, “Lay Down Your Burdens” is an immersive, thought-provoking dance theatre experience that promises to be like no other. With its talented cast, clever choreography, and nuanced exploration of the human experience, this show is a must-see for anyone looking for a unique and memorable night out. Running until March 29, 2025, and then touring nationally throughout April and May, don’t miss your chance to experience this groundbreaking production for yourself. With its perfect blend of humor, pathos, and dance, “Lay Down Your Burdens” is sure to leave you reflecting on the power of community and the human spirit, long after the curtain call.
