Theatre Cryptic have returned to the fringe with their internationally successful show Each . . . and Every Inch a piece of work part art installation, part theatrical performance, looking into the psyche of American writer Elizabeth Smart, writer of By Grand Central Station I sat down and wept . Complete with an eerie soundtrack full of echoing voices and short statements, you begin to feel her most intimate thoughts. Led through a series of rooms the audience are exposed to snapshots of Smart's thoughts and fears: The most interesting being her day to day thoughts, but also, and more interestingly her obsession with the poet George Barker, with whom she embarked on a tempestuous affair with lasting 18 years.
The whole piece combines an excellent array of music, text, visual stimulation and sound-scapes all of which culminate in the only piece of live performance, as two cellists play and dance seductively with each other, representing her affair with Barker. Leaving this piece I was struck with an eerie awe of this woman's life and love.
Director Cathie Boyd has created an interesting and highly original piece of art installation/theatre which speaks directly to the emotions within each audience member leaving them with a good impression of Smart's life, and a thirst to learn more about this remarkable woman.