What I liked
Maddie’s unique spark and bubbles make the show shimmer and blink, and it feels like it wasn’t made for a mass audience, but purely for the joy of it. The lights were well designed and programmed, and really transported me into the emotion of the show. They were just as fun and unconventional as everything else. Without spoiling too much, the puppets and props were my favorite part (probably.) I loved the bits of audience interaction that felt silly and not like awkward pressure. I loved the music and soundscape of the whole thing.
What I didn't like
I think the mic could’ve been a tad louder, and I’d love to see a version of this show in the future with a body mic instead of a handheld. At the end I think there could’ve been a blackout cue to put the cap on the whole thing. errmm OH I loved the block puppet so much and want to see more of it. And then I think some of the show could use a pass from a choreographer only to make some of the movement feel more purposeful. But truly just nitpicks, this was a fantastic way to start the festival!
My overall impression
If you’re not planning to see Rectangles, you’re wrong. The show was a beautifully genuine piece of absurdism. Maddie’s mind is something else… no one else could have brought this into the world, which feels like the show’s message in a nutshell – this show isn’t a people pleaser, it knows itself enough to give it the confidence to play, and as an audience member, I felt like I was playing too. It was just so delightful and weird and true in a way that is hard to find. It doesn’t take itself too seriously but seriously knows what it’s about, which makes it disarming and comfortable enough to follow Maddie into some weird shit. Literally. AND OF COURSE, the beautifully produced soundscape that underscores the show was wonderfully transportive and fun.
