Thus Spoke...

It's not often you see philosophy centre stage. But that's exactly what Canadian duo Frédérick Gravel and Étienne Lepage have done with Thus Spoke..., a rambling series of vignettes described in the blurb as an "antidote to apathy".

Set on an empty stage with a single microphone, a series of backlights reminiscent of a rock concert illuminates the action. It's crisp and clean, giving the content all the attention.

There's no real structure here, but unconnected musings on life interspersed with dance numbers by choreographer Gravel. There are some nice moments, using dance to explore sex and sensuality, and the company slickly move from speech to movement.

There's talk of how privileged we are—particularly to be at the show—the importance of a salary, the amount of stuff in the world, being an asshole and not being bothered, the meaning of life. There's even a plot to kill Trump using crowdfunding.

Some interesting thoughts feed into the mix, but it feels self-indulgent more often than self-aware. Is it an important piece of performance art? When seeing a show, says performer Marilyn Perreault, "I don't ask to be transfigured, I just ask for one idea". But a show can also have too many ideas, which is the fate that befalls Thus Spoke.... Maybe that's the point, but it all feels the opposite – a bit pointless.