Review: BIGMOUTH is Enormously Ambitious

The Edinburgh Festival hit and critically acclaimed BIGMOUTH has finally landed in Canada with its Canadian premiere at the Panasonic Theatre. Belgian actor Valentijn Dhaenens seamlessly weaves together iconic speeches from the past 2,500 years. BIGMOUTH illustrates the profound power of rhetoric and communication; how powerful speeches can influence history. From Pericles to George W. Bush, Dhaenens takes the audience on a powerful journey through time only using one thing - his mouth.

The production features a simple set; a table with microphones. Using a combination of genius lighting and sound mixing effects, Dhaenens is able to command the audience with his first word. Through sound looping and other audio effects, he is able to paint vivid pictures and settings using only sound through music, chatter and impersonations. The production, which has a running time of 85 minutes, is a marathon performance for Dhaenens has he effortlessly transitions between impersonations, languages and speeches.

The show presents the speeches in a non-judgemental way, highlighting the power of words without bias. The entire audience was silent throughout the entire performance, in awe of the talent being showcased. The subtle nuances and pacing in between speeches was haunting. The common themes between the speeches weaved together perfectly, telling a profound narrative. Dhaenens' choices reflect his upbringing and interest in American culture and the effects and aftermath of war.

BIGMOUTH is a transformative piece of theatre. The thought-provoking, intense and fast-paced production is perfectly ambitious while still being grounded and subtle.

BIGMOUTH is playing at the Panasonic Theatre as a part of the 2015/2016 Off-Mirvish Season until February 7, 2016. For tickets and more information visit mirvish.com.

Photo: Valentijn Dhaenens/Bigmouth - Photo by Maya Wilsens.