Internal

I knew it wasn’t a real date but still I found myself declining the pungent curry lunch in the hour before presenting myself at speed-dating masterpiece Internal. I also made sure I had enough deodorant… oh, wait a minute, that should be the actor’s responsibility… hang on, I am the actor.

And so I am. And these are the rules: five audience members meet five (attractive) performers and dive immediately into a speed-dating and group therapy session. One guest is going to get a psychological surprise. That much I can reveal, the rest is up to you. The show’s outcome depends on how you respond to your date partner and how much you can (or want to) give away about yourself in half an hour.

I suppose the worst people to invite are critics (and stalkers) since you need to have a relaxed, open mind to step into Ontroerend Goed’s daring total experience. It’s a compact encounter at 25 minutes, but how many shows can you name that guarantee one to one attention throughout? And remember to include the time spent in the street afterwards, chatting with your other co-audience members and comparing experiences – the vital, unscheduled second part of a remarkable show that blurs reality and fantasy and breaks down all four walls of theatre.