Ivan and the Dogs
Reviews

Ivan and the Dogs is the touching story of a little boy’s fight for survival on the streets of Russia. It is told simply, with Rad Kaim as an older Ivan recounting his story. Kaim’s expressive acting and boundless energy enable the audience to conjure up a Russian street scene in their imaginations, despite the minimalist set. Kaim is well cast as Ivan, successfully conveying Ivan’s fear, heartbreak and happiness and is very believable when describing a four year old's reaction to the world. Clever use of lighting and recorded sounds gives extra depth to unseen characters, and brings the story to life, allowing the audience to use their imagination to create a Russian street scene and the images of characters.

The story itself is very moving and poignant. Whilst at times it feels as though it couldn’t possibly get any more tragic, the ending is uplifting and satisfying and it is ultimately a story about love and finding a place where you belong. It deals with some difficult subjects but it does so gently, and the way it is presented through the eyes of a young child mean there is no pretence-Ivan tells it as he sees it.

I would recommend this for anybody who wants to see something different at the theatre - it is refreshingly simple and enjoyable, encouraging you to use your own imagination to create Ivan’s world.