In 2006 Chotto Okkii or ‘choh-toe oh-key’ bought a Total Theatre Award back from the Edinburgh Fringe Festival for ‘And Even My Goldfish’. Since then they have been one of the bright new hopes of Leeds contemporary theatre and are now working closely with Bradford’s Theatre in the Mill.
Their second production is a dark and surreal exploration of a day to day work place at the farthest reaches of reality. The high energy and multi-talented ensemble begin their show in an office/ kitchen, or is it an abattoir? They quickly establish conventions with a highly physicalised candle crazed office clerk, using barely a word of recognisable language and precise rhythmic timing. The piece continues to show a day in the life of other equally stylized characters and lovable, but highly frisky and rapidly reproducing pests as their candle factory grinds to a halt with unforeseen and mixed consequences.
This abstract comic book world reveals a simple but endearing narrative by using constant musical underscoring, shadow puppetry, impressive rhythmic choreography and a good sense of fun. A variety of devices push the five performers to their limits to create this strange and humorous story that will capture the heart of anyone who has ever felt the drudgery of the Monday to Friday Nine till Five.
Come the conclusion I would liked to have know more about the consequences of what I had witnessed for some of the characters, and at times tangents felt more like an excuse to display another impressive physical feat rather than adding much to the story. However this premier of the performance was a strong showing by a very talented collective. I would recommend anyone to go and see it by the time the show tours in the second half of 2008.
