An ageing musician, confined to a wheelchair, is moved into an old people's home. The action switches back and forth between life in the home and his memories of life as a small child. Comparisons between the behaviour of toddlers seeking to understand the life before them, and the geriatrics fighting off the encroach of death, are clear. And that, at both ends of life, and at all stages in between, there is always affection, fear, love, cruelty, boredom and hilarity.
A small troupe of actors (from the German Familie Floez team) portray a range of characters using masks, swift costume changes and their huge talent for expressing emotion and intent through body language. Interspersed with silhouettes on film which advance the story and keep the narrative together, they play out scenes that highlight the absurdities of human behaviour and the essential need for friendship, music and love.
Often poignant, frequently hilarious, never dull or hectoring, this has to be one of the best shows on the Fringe. A single red rose in a spotlight is heartbreaking, two toddlers with a ball perform one of the funniest scenes I have ever witnessed. The characters are people we recognise, the emotions are those we've all experienced. Essential viewing.
Infinita is on at the Pleasance at 13.30 until 27 August.
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