[GNAF] Vortex: a fight for life

The Non Nova Company, which brings us Vortex, has been experimenting with the wind and its ways for three years and, as a result, presents a craft piece of magical magnetism and utter disbelief. For once, you are not forced to look for the meaning behind what you see; you need not analyse, but you can only enjoy the visuals that you are presented with. The piece explores the many layers of the individual, but instead of giving you someone, something or a symbol to analyse, it provides the audience with an experience; it is internalised and personal to your own self in a completely evasive way.

The magic of the wind

Artisitic director Phia Ménard invites the audience to take part in a fight for life, of which we already know the outcome, to make you experience moments you did not expect. This carefully rehearsed performance puts the magic of the wind in your grasp, yet it reins it in just enough to let your imagination go wild.

This is performance art at its best, and most probably the best piece I have seen in my life. It gets you right from the start and keeps your attention right to the very end. This review will not bend to give away the brilliance of this piece and what you can expect; we rarely find something that can't be explained in words, and this is one of those pieces.

Vortex is part of the French Season South Africa 2012 & 2013. So watch out for any information on this phenomenal piece.

For more on the the Grahamstown National Arts Festival (GNAF) go to www.nafest.co.za.