THE HANGOVER REPORT – In ALL RIGHT. GOOD NIGHT., Rimini Protokoll artfully articulates the process of gradual disappearance through music and text

A scene from Rimini Protokoll’s production of “All Right. Good Night.” at NYU Skirball (photo by Andrew Brooks).

Last night at NYU Skirball, I had the opportunity to catch the North American premiere of Rimini Protokoll’s All right. Good night. in a co-presentation by L’Alliance New York as a part of Crossing The Line Festival (the work was previously staged across the pond at the Manchester International Festival). Masterminded by company co-founder Helgard Haug, the piece is, in short, a meditation on gradual loss and disappearance via parallel real life narratives — that of the mysterious vanishing of Malaysia Airlines Flight MH370 and the slow mental decline of Haug’s own father to the ravages of dementia.

But instead of utilizing typical dramatic methods, Haug opts for rigorous documentary techniques — including the assemblage of interviews other primary sources — to exhaustively examine his subject from all angles, in the process making connections between the work’s two seemingly disparate threads. From a presentational standpoint, this is mainly manifested via audio recordings, as well as artfully projected text, which provides much of the production’s visual kineticism. Featured just as prominently in the decidedly avant-garde experience is the assertive incorporation of music — courtesy of an emotive score by Barbara Morgenstern, exquisitely played live by the Zafraan Ensemble — bringing out much needed visceral emotion to the proceedings.

Segmented into eight discrete sections — each representing a stage in the process of loss, disappearance, grief, and/or survival — the piece runs continuously sans intermission over the course of two-and-a-half hours. Admittedly, All right. Good night. is a long sit, which — although necessary — may not be ideal structurally for some audiences. But those willing to sit back and let the show’s glacial but inevitable tapestry-like progression wash over them and mull its mysteries and philosophical musings — both deeply personal and panoramic in scope — will likely be hypnotized by this singular concoction. You’ll also likely find much to reflect over as it relates to your own lives. I know I did.

RECOMMENDED

ALL RIGHT. GOOD NIGHT.
Off-Broadway, Theater / Music
NYU Skirball
2 hours, 20 minutes (without an intermission)
Through September 27

Categories: Music, Off-Broadway, Other Music, Theater

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