Superposition @ The Stratford Circus Arts Centre Review

Superposition: The net response caused by two or more stimuli is the sum of responses that would have been caused by each stimulus individually. The Superposition principle attributed to the scientific field of physics depends on a linear system producing a straightforward outcome. Drawing on this strand of science, Chanje Kunda takes on the role of scientist; dissecting and analysing life events that have contributed to her current status.

Courtesy of Stratford Circus Arts Centre.

Courtesy of Stratford Circus Arts Centre.

Kunda’s Superposition transforms Stratford Circus Arts Centre into an explorative space, a laboratory of life examining femininity, sexuality, relationships and family. Kunda’s unconventional scientist examines the interactions, circumstances and choices made within her lifetime, instantly humanising the performance poet. A warmth forms the show’s foundation, Kunda’s ability to establish a mellow mood with her tone and poeticism instantly draws the audience onside. Complex ideas are explored and delivered via Kunda’s effortless lyrical flow. Paeder Kirk’s stage design highlights an experiment-esque nature. Three chairs adorn stage right, a chair adorns stage left and a dancing pole occupies space upstage left. Motifs of African print make a nod to Kunda’s cultural heritage, three boxes and two wooden statuettes representing herself and her son, this is a powerful use of the stage that has scope to be explored further.  The stage is an obstacle course of life if you will and contributes a feeling of play which is a fun convention.

Kunda’s narrative ponders the Big Bang Theory, conversations had with her son, reminiscing the heartbreaking end of her relationship with her child’s father and regaining an independence and an inner confidence by part taking in pole dancing classes and body confidence classes. The show is a quiet anthem for sisterhood, it’s a safe space allowing for insecurities to be aired out and not judged. Superposition is brave and unique, it doesn’t at all offer answers, rather like it’s subject it’s constantly questioning, learning and evolving.

Kirk’s sound design is the show’s steady pulse from start to finish further establishing Kunda’s universe. Kirk directs an empowering piece of theatre, showcasing our lead’s more vulnerable moments. The show could structurally be cleaner however is ambitious in its method to fuse science, sexuality, spirituality and feminism together, and ambition is to be acknowledged. 3.5/5

Review written by Lucy Basaba.

Superposition was shown at Stratford Circus Arts Centre from Thursday 9th to Friday 10th November 2017 and is currently on tour. To find out more about the production, visit here…

Written by Theatrefullstop