THE LAST SUPPER
Food equals life, but it is also potently linked to death.
From the final repast of Jesus Christ prior to his Crucifixion, as recorded in Leonardo da Vinci’s famed 15th century Italian fresco, to the dinner requests of those on death row, nourishment and nullity have long formed a paradoxical partnership.
In The Last Supper, the UK/Belgian theatre troupe Reckless Sleepers’ touring multisensory meal-performance, this partnership is explored mouthful by mouthful.
Into the thick, warm air of a dinner party tableau 39 guests are welcomed by three hosts. Assigned a number, you take a seat and are offered a glass of wine – most accept, perhaps nervous about what the intimate setting could have in store.
Once settled, what follows is an hour or so of wandering tales of final words, final meal requests (13 of these, actually served to random members of the table), and gentle musings on the nature of finality. So many have died, so many have been forgotten. Writer and director Mole Wetherell dips primarily into the inkwell of fame, with references to Marilyn Monroe, Andy Warhol, Humphrey Bogart and Rasputin rife.
The ‘barely there’ performance is no doubt deliberate, to further enhance the feeling that you are a prop at a stranger’s gathering, quietly listening. While its gentleness and quietness means there is very little after-taste, the real success may be gauged by how many conversations you strike up with those sitting next to you after the show. Many ask: what would you want your final meal to be?
Until Mar 9, Performance Space, 245 Wilson St, Eveleigh, $35-45, performancespace.com.au
