Showing @ Traverse Theatre, Edinburgh, Thu 2 Feb only

Established over 30 years ago, Le Vélo Théâtre has been instrumental in the development of Object Theatre. With the principle that the actor can connect with objects as he can with words, Object Theatre is predominantly image based. Appel d’Air – or Call of the Air – features as part of the Manipulate festival and follows a solitary character as, from being confined within his own walls, he grows (metaphorical) wings and leaps out of his (literal) window into the world; whether he falls or flies is left to the audience to interpret.

Slow to start, Appel d’Air builds momentum rapidly, in its brief 70 minute run. The set consists of a dimly lit bed which seems wobbly and as if it were suspended miles above a city (tiny lights below are reminiscent of a cityscape you might see from a plane at night). With birds, planes, boats and rockets, the idea of journeys is recurring throughout. One gets the impression that this silent chaos and constant discovery is meticulously constructed, with every gesture, pause and revelation expertly executed. Solemnity and reflection is contrasted with the curiosity of a child, using his imagination to explore his surroundings. Outside the city, and looking down on it with anxiety, the character highlights how reified Western culture is and our dependency on capitalism and commodities is still alien to natural human instinct.