Funny Play Repeats Restaurant Scene

In a captivating display of absurdist comedy, performance duo Bert and Nasi, comprising Bertrand Lesca and Nasi Voutsas, present "L’Addition" at the Edinburgh festival. Directed by Tim Etchells of Forced Entertainment, this English-language adaptation of their original French work from the Avignon festival challenges the audience's patience through a series of repetitive and humorous scenarios. The duo's performance is likened to a comedic form of serial music, engaging viewers with its relentless rhythm and variations. Set in a restaurant, the piece revolves around a simple interaction between a waiter and a diner. The diner requests wine, leading to an increasingly absurd situation where the waiter pours an endless stream of wine, flooding the table. Each repetition introduces subtle changes in the characters' emotions, with the diner transitioning from shock to anger, while the waiter oscillates between courtesy and brusqueness. This dynamic creates a humorous tension that keeps the audience engaged. As the performance unfolds, Bert and Nasi skillfully shift between collaboration and conflict, enhancing the surreal nature of their routine. They occasionally break character to check in with the audience, prompting existential questions about their identities beyond the roles they play. This self-awareness adds a layer of depth to the performance, reminiscent of the classic duo Vladimir and Estragon from "Waiting for Godot." Ultimately, "L’Addition" is a testament to the power of absurdity in theater, leaving audiences both entertained and contemplative as they navigate the fine line between humor and existential inquiry.