M.I.S. All Night Long ★★★★

In explorations of modern masculinity, it can be easy to fall into the trap of broad assumptions and melodrama. Most pieces at the Fringe that explore the topic often fall into categories of comedy, usually stand-up, or drama, usually a one-person odyssey of the modern man. The production company DON GNU does none of these. What they offer instead is something far more explosive and richer: a clown show.

DON GNU has revived their production of M.I.S. All Night Long as part of the #DANISH showcase at the Edinburgh Fringe. Presented as a thematic exploration of the concept of understanding the male psyche, the show is a physically demanding performance of four men who each embody a stereotype. There are only three: the lover, the pushover and the best friend. Each scene features stunts that represent their characterisation – though these are often filled with absurdity, coming across as something that would fit into the Jackass franchise.

This premise is a fantastic concept for a show. In using clownery, DON GNU skips the necessity of nuance and opts for an exaggerated depiction of manhood. The performers, all wearing socks and occasionally far too little clothing, each bare their souls on stage. Though funny, it’s an insightful way to highlight the idea of nakedness. The stunts, being so hilariously over the top and physical, strip away the need for “aura” or “masks”. They can finally be themselves in front of the audience.

The performers engage in stunts that are both hilarious and physically astonishing. Large balls and planks are used constantly – they even make a seesaw, bounce the balls across and interact with them in a way that can easily fit into a Three Stooges short sketch. Their bravado shines through – even as they tell a story through mostly gags.

Artistic directors Jannik Elkær and Kristoffer Louis Andrup conjure intelligent ways of moving the story along. Borrowing from films, they use slow motion and evoke freeze frames, which help introduce the characters and also break up the constant-flowing action. Digressions throughout the show, like one on the socks they wear, are a welcome addition to the picture.

Projections are used extensively in the production both as a way to set the tone and to imply the setting. These are surreal and strange, complimenting the nature of the actions on stage. Technician Anders Storm ensures these are timed perfectly with the music – it’s another demonstration of the company’s ability for the spectacle.

All three of the performances are equally as powerful as each other – the limelight is shared evenly by the exceptional work of Elkær, Andrup and Petras Lisauskas (both Elkær and Andrup double as performers as well as directors). Through their synchronicity as performers, DON GNU has crafted an elite package of entertainment. While the thematic messaging may be a little explicit at times, there is an undeniable awe factor about M.I.S. All Night Long that cannot be overlooked.