A peculiar sort of show, The Unparalleled Adventure of One Hans Pfaall concerns the story of (one) Hans Pfaall and his endeavour to reach the moon in a hot air balloon. This production is charming in its own way and though a touch slow on occasion, good use of movement and imaginative use of props and costume make this piece a worthwhile way to spend an hour.

Based on the short story by Edgar Allan Poe, Vinicius Carvalho co-directs and performs in this corporeal mime-influenced production, produced by Carvalho’s company Fool’s Cap Theatre. At times humorous and at others poignant, the story is a good vehicle for Carvalho to demonstrate his talents both at acting and at movement, though I confess to being slightly frustrated at times at the sole performer’s five-minute-long movement ‘journeys’ that I didn’t quite get. Nevertheless, some interesting imagery was created, and Carvalho is certainly one of those actors who seem able to defy the laws of gravity such as balancing on just his toes to create an interesting shape. I admit to being someone who had not a clue as to what corporeal mime was, before this performance. It is the art of the thinking body, i.e. expressing feelings, thoughts and emotions through pure physical actions. I thought that might save you, kind reader, a Wikipedia search.

Another star of the show had to be Irina Shengelia,  who was in charge of set, props and costume. A wonderfully created miniature hot air balloon provided Carvalho with an excellent accompaniment to his movement, and a perfectly envisaged steam-punk-style adventurers outfit and a space suit that was straight out of Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Sea hit the mark perfectly. It was a job very well done.

Concerning themes of ennui,  the cycle of life and a struggle against the odds, The Unparalleled Adventure of one Hans Pfaall was also technically sound, and I enjoyed both the use of voice over by Carvalho and an excellent musical score by Alex Paton that suited the varied mood of the piece very well. A large projector screen was also utilised as both a visual backdrop to an otherwise sparse stage and as a PowerPoint presentation when Carvalho explained the scientific (suppositions) behind his impossible trip.

The Unparalleled Adventure of One Hans Pfaall is an interesting production. If you haven’t seen any corporeal mime before I can recommend it as a medium, and if you’re a fan of Verne and Wells and the like, this will be right up your street.

The Unparalleled Adventure of One Hans Pfaall is playing at the Putney Arts Theatre until 24 July. For more information and tickets, see the Putney Arts Theatre website.

Photo: Mathew Hodgkin