JOHN at the National Theatre

***** JOHN at the National Theatre is a poignant study into the highs and lows of a human condition. DV8 have created both a wonderful celebration of physical theatre and a stark social commentary.

The rotating stage draws one into the turmoil of John's existence; a world of family violence, crime and drugs from which there can seemingly be no escape. The glimpses we are given of John's father rapping both his sister and then the babysitter are enough to make one gasp in desperation. John's narration bombards the senses and the tenebrism of the production pulls one into a dark world that too many children experience daily. When the mother dies she is covered with newspaper, symbolic of a worthless and ephemeral life it seems. At one stage John says to the audience that he wishes for a 'normal life like you in the middle classes'...we all laugh nervously.

But there is also great humour in the production and the early themes of drugs and violence are swapped for obesity and sexuality. John does the laundry and lists the women he has had; hangers descend on string to fill the stage as a reminder of the transient nature of many human relationships.

The physicality of the production exemplifies what can be achieved with minimal props, a strong narrative and lashings of talent, which dance-trained Hannes Langolf has in spades. At one stage his movements simply defy gravity in an exemplary display of an actor's control of his own physical condition.

Yet despite what we have seen of John's life, the is hope. Exercise becomes a drug to combat obesity and the Open University is another means by which John can show his worth. There is a dark side to the time he spends in gay saunas but there is also humour in the dancing to 50s music, mentions of glory holes, STDs and the non-verbal conventions of sauna sex. Ultimately it is the journey by which John discovers his true sexuality and self. 

When the gay narrative turned to discussing toilet habits and shitting, two members of the audience left in disgust. A middle class dirty protest perhaps...but also bloody rude I thought. I doubt John would like their normal lives.