Review: MISSING, Battersea Arts Centre

There's so much more to this evening than Gecko Theatre's Missing. Whilst the show itself is at the highest quality, what must first be noted is the remarkable achievement of the Battersea Arts Centre team, as well as the members of the public in the surrounding area.

When a fire engulfed the Grand Hall in March 2015 all seemed lost, but amidst all the destruction came the dream that things can get better. It did, and three and a half years later the disappeared part of the building reopens - it looks extraordinary; Haworth Tompkins Architects have regenerated a vivid, welcoming and momentous space.

The evening starts with BAC Artistic Director David Jubb giving a speech on the importance of hope. He discusses the incident that nearly saw the loss of this great venue, but focus primarily on what happened after. We hear of how the local community rallied together to support and rebuild - many of those same people are in the audience.

Onto Missing, which is unarguably intense and definitely brilliant. Gecko were performing this same show back in 2015, before the fire came and destroyed their set. They too took the same attitude as BAC, and their momentous optimism ensured that they were able to get back on track quickly. Back where they started, they once again perform their hit show in the Grand Hall.

The company have a unique way of working - their methodology is incredibly psychophysical; it holds nothing back. Through stylised choreography and erratic movement, they tell the story of a family breakdown and the journey it takes you on. It's a piece about childhood, and the many hopes and fears we have when growing up.

Artistic Director of Gecko, Amit Lahav has based the show on his own real-life experience. The characters we see are portrayals of his parents and the other important figures that formed his life foundations. Floating from Israel to East London, we watch as everything goes downhill.

Lahav's direction allows the performer's effort to be visible, whilst at the same time the ensemble possess a delicate fluidity. Everything works acutely to beat and the piece has a natural flow. Despite lacking text there's a clear narrative to latch onto, which means you always know what's going on.

The company use their bodies as a vehicle to evoke various emotions within us. They're frantic and then still; they jump, swing, and throw themselves about - all to make the audience feel. It's an extreme assault of concentrated moves, which come from a place of absolute commitment. It's a bloody great show.

And after seeing Missing, and experiencing an evening at BAC, all's that left to say is that this venue has truly risen from the ashes, and its future is definitely bright.

Missing at Battersea Arts Centre until 15 September

Photo courtesy of Gecko Theatre

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