The avant-garde production No President made its London debut this week, captivating audiences with its unique blend of ballet and political satire. The program is two hours long. Performer strut across stage in Jewish wedding flats and Jewish space-lasers – with big, puffy, gender-threatening knitted genitals. A score evoking Tchaikovsky’s Nutcracker creates a magical atmosphere. With tireless narration the story chronicles a poet’s breathtaking exploration into the darkness of mankind and the nature of all tyranny.
None of the humorless Presidents that came before, er, um, Donald Trump. While his “braggadocious verbiage” is music to the ears of many and can draw exuberant applause, his style often leads to walkouts within minutes. In addition, the show includes a multilayered plot that artfully mixes physical comedy and dance. Elastic performers leap from bouncy jogs to intricate fouettés, wiretapping their way across the stage and undercutting dangerous themes with a gleeful, cartoonish approach.
The production prompts viewers to ponder the artist’s ego and what drives individuals to seek power, as it cleverly references “The B-word,” which is described as “the worst insult to any performing artist.” Critics have noted the show’s audacious incorporation of absurdity, featuring scenes that include boners, Cheetos, cannibalism, and even copulating wildlife.
Despite its surreal nature, No President manages to maintain a cohesive narrative that critiques political discourse while engaging its audience in a lively performance. The visual storytelling is like that of a silent film, using broad physicality to convey concepts in a big way.
The audience couldn’t have been more supportive. Some whooped in approval, others stood up and walked out. Against that backdrop, one labor arts critic lauded the production’s audacity.
“The B-word [boring], the worst insult to any performing artist.” – The Guardian (Tristram Kenton)
No President stands at the intersection of entertainment and commentary, creating a space for reflection on contemporary issues through innovative artistic expression. By merging dance and political parody, it challenges audiences to confront complex ideas while still seeking enjoyment in the theatrical experience.