‘The Smile Off Your Face (2004)’ - Projects

‘The Smile Off Your Face (2004)’ Press

Welcome to the dark stage of Ontroerend Goed: ‘The Smile Off Your Face’, a performance that resolutely offers a totally different viewing experience. Actually, it’s not about viewing. You are blindfolded, you are in a wheelchair, tied up. It’s about experiencing. There is no stage. There is no public, no fixed spot in the lights where actors perform. In fact, you don't know where you are. You suspect something. You imagine something. Everything happens only in your head, and yet it doesn’t. You are in a darkroom. There are other people. They want something from you. Or not. Sometimes you are alone. We know that. We take care of you.

Directors:
Sophie De Somere
& Joeri Smet
Actors:
Alexander Devriendt
Aurélie Lannoy
Nicolaas Leten
Sophie De Somere
Kristof Coenen
Music:
Sebastien Omerson

Ontroerend Goed in association with Richard Jordan Productions Ltd.

With the support of the City of Ghent & Province of East-Flanders.

…Astounding disorientating show… I am confident we will be seeing, and feeling, more of the Belgian company responsible – Ontroerend Goed.

The Guardian – Lyn Gardner ****

…As an essay in intimacy, human warmth and real emotional attention – and a reflection on the shocking lack of it, in many busy modern lives – ‘The Smile off Your Face’ is an unforgettable experience.

The Scotsman – Joyce Mc Millan ****

…A disorientating but extraordinary performance (…) It leaves you feeling fantastic.

The Times – Donald Hutera *****

…Last year in Edinburgh I argued that the hit show ‘The Smile Off Your Face’ wouldn't bear a repeat viewing... Well, I was wrong. I find something ineffably sad about the way that it encourages intimacy and yet ultimately shows intimacy to be an illusion, but this is a genuinely beguiling piece of theatre

The Guardian – Lyn Gardner