User Not Found
*****
Mon 29th Apr, Quantum Coffee Roasters, Cardiff Bay.
As a society, we are hooked on social media. In fact, we are often obsessed with capturing the ‘Insta-perfect’ moment rather than actually living in the moment, and whilst your social media pages tell a story about you whilst you’re alive, have you ever considered what will happen to them and your online legacy once you’ve died?
Following a successful premiere at the 2018 Edinburgh Fringe, Dante or Die’s User Not Found made its way to Cardiff Bay’s Quantum Coffee Roasters on Monday, delivering a thought-provoking production which explored grief in the digital age. Inspired by an article written by Caroline Twigg for The Guardian, User Not Found tells the story of Terry (Andy McLeod), who faces a unusual dilemma following the passing of his former partner Luka. Named as his online legacy executor, the decision to keep or delete Luka’s social media presence is left in Terry’s hands.
Written by Chris Goode, User Not Found is a dark and poignant piece of work which truly engages every member of the audience. Upon arrival, we are given a set of headphones and a mobile phone, both of which play a huge part in the show, allowing us to be fully immersed in the captivating yet heartbreaking production. McLeod, the sole star of the show, is magnificent as Terry. He humours us, mesmerises us, and shatters our hearts of stone into a million pieces. Through the headphones, we hear Terry’s battle as he struggles to come to terms with the loss of Luka, whilst the trauma is built upon by additional sound effects, drawing you in to the story. The use of mobile phones also gives the production a different edge, adding tension and humour in equal measure, without forgetting a very plausible music video from Luka’s favourite French popstar, Laurent Mercier.
Through powerful words, mood lighting, and beautiful movement, as McLeod wanders between the coffee shop tables, the production is a raw take on the various stages of grief whilst also cleverly intertwining the additional modern complications of dying in the digital age. Combined with the intimate and unusual coffee house setting, it’s impossible not to feel every inch of emotion shared by McLeod. It’s an intense 90 minutes and whilst each individual will take something different away from this production, it will spark important conversations with your loved ones.
Bringing theatre well and truly into the modern age, User Not Found is unlike anything you’ll have witnessed before. A compelling and immersive experience from start to finish, the production will certainly leave you questioning your online and real-life existence.
words Katrina Rees
Touring until Sun 2 Jun. Info: www.danteordie.com/user-not-found