Kin sees a combination of predominately spoken word, physical theatre and live music as it charts the lives of three people living in London.
Fiery Latino Luciana and pragmatic Dutchman Yan are a couple trying unsuccessfully for a baby. Into their lives comes wide-eyed Yorkshireman Tom as a lodger. The trio deal with life in a bustling capital, being swept away with its fast pace and vibrancy, sometimes happy to be pulled and other times swimming against the tide. Then tragedy strikes, which has a lasting effect.
The parts are well-acted with Merce Ribot’s character Luciana interchanging between English and Spanish as she gets passionate or angry. Martin Bonger’s Yan is a practical but kind banker and easily empathised with, while Richard Kiess reflects the wonder that Tom feels on moving to the big city with its myriad new sensations.
The addition of live music helps to accentuate the acting, with neat guitar riffs for fireworks and drums for rain, which help bring the scenarios to life, as does some of the physical theatre.
But some of the movement seems unnecessary, especially when the acting is so good, for example the suggestion of trying to get pregnant features some glib soft music and uninspiring motion. Moreover, Tom’s character is underdeveloped. He plays narrator more than participant and other than him being excited and fascinated by London, you do not get to know him like the other two. The lack of connection leaves you feeling remote come the end, which is a shame given the fine work beforehand.
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