This year’s Fringe marks the return of critically acclaimed Ramesh Meyyappan’s heart searing production, Love Beyond, as part of the Made in Scotland showcase. It originally premiered at the Manipulate Festival in 2023 where it entranced audiences with its gorgeous and innovative storytelling, and it once again did just that at Assembly this August.
Harry, an elderly man suffering from dementia that spurs on hallucinations, enters palliative care with a well intending and caring nurse. In his ever-returning hallucinations, Harry is visited by his deceased wife, and he is forced to relive some of the happiest and sorrowful moments of their marriage. The nurse can initially not communicate with Harry who uses sign language, and we watch as she learns and, due to his progressing dementia, he forgets. He becomes increasing distressed as he is trapped between his memories and the care home room he eventually dies in, returning to his wife in his moments.
Meyyappan’s impeccable storytelling together with Becky Minto’s ingenious design and direction creates one of the most gorgeous, spell binding productions at this year’s fringe. Matthew Lenton is a rare theatrical genius who dreams theatre in four dimensions. His theatrical creations are beyond my wildest dreams as a theatre audience member and this production is a true example of his innovation and brilliance.
The slow pace of the show is deliberate, not letting the audience turn away from the fragility and discomfort of aging Harry for a second. Every moment is carefully crafted with laser focus and care. You are both awed by the moments of magical realism (I’m thinking particularly of the moment we see Harry’s wife, Elise, swim across the stage behind the mirrored backdrop) and deeply troubled by Harry’s experience.
Love Beyond is a spectacular piece of theatre that pushes the possibilities and boundaries of the stage well beyond what we might believe is possible. It is expansive in its theatrical language without forgetting the importance of Meyyappan’s story and the very heart of this show.
Love Beyond has now finished its run.
Image provided by Assembly Press Release .