Fringe review: L’ADDITION, Summerhall
Photo credit: Christophe Raynaud de Lage
Bert Lesca and Nasi Voutsas’ L’Addition is a refreshingly original theatrical experience that thrives on its complexity and self-awareness. The show kicks off with an apologetic and humorous preamble, setting the tone for an intellectual journey that embraces chaos with a wink and a nod. The actors, aware of their own madness, warn the audience that things are about to get complicated, and indeed, they deliver on that promise.
The brilliance of L'Addition lies in its ability to build on absurdity and relentless rhythm. Once the scene begins, the play dives into a loop of escalating insanity where the actors seem trapped in their roles like Sim characters caught in an action, breaking the fourth wall just enough to keep the audience both grounded and intrigued. The rule of improvisation—yes, and—is cleverly used, with the actors bouncing off each other in a chaotic, yet controlled, dance of comedy and absurdity.
Among the standout moments is the "just pour" section, a piece of art in itself, which captures the essence of the play's chaotic genius. The show is experimental and playful and reveals its deeper meanings only when you peel back the layers. As the actors swap roles between straight man and comic, they remind us of the importance of questioning our actions and embracing change.
However, while the rhythm and pace are largely spot-on, the show occasionally runs a bit long, with some repetitive bits being milked just past their prime. Perhaps more frequent breaking of the fourth wall could have alleviated this, though the play's very nature defies such neat solutions.
In the end, L'Addition is an experimental theatre at its best—chaotic, absurd, and deeply thoughtful. It’s a show that challenges you to think, laugh, and maybe even question your own routines.
**** Four stars
Reviewed by: Beatriz Do O
L’Addition plays at Summerhall until 25 Aug, with further info here. The show will also be transferring to London's Battersea Arts Centre from 5-16 November as part of the Forced Entertainment 40th anniversary season playing across the Southbank Centre, The Place and Battersea Arts Centre.