A2 drama and theatre studies witnessed a visceral and deeply moving perfomance ‘Instutute’ by Gecko theatre company at HOME, Manchester.

The physical theatre piece, devised by the company, centred around the theme of care, specifically in relation to mental health. It was superbly executed. The 4 male actors, who communicated through movement and English, French and German language, all packed a punch.

Surrounded by enormous filing cabinets, drawers and cupboards, the set was a metaphor for the mind; lots of recesses, corners, shadows and places of contemplation. The characters, trapped within a cycle of their past were never fully able to accept their present — frequently blending tragedy with comedy, creating bleak and poignant moments more readily associated with absurdist theatre.

Students who were attending to support and inspire their own devised drama for DRAM 4 were mesmerised. Many of them wanting to develop a piece of physical theatre or absurdism as a result of it. “I feel numb, what just just happened?” said a student immediately following the close of the show. The audience had been exposed to the harsh reality for these characters. Their loss, guilt, tragedy and shame repeatedly played before them. A tender, brave and physically demanding production.

‘Institute’ has been getting 5 star reviews across the world, students at Loreto Sixth Form College, Manchester couldn’t agree more. If this show is touring near you, get tickets!