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André & Dorine

Reviewed by Lovell Estell III

Basque Company, Kulunka Teatro at LATC

Through June 7

RECOMMENDED:

Every so often a show comes along that makes a welcome, unforgettable impression. So it is with this display of theatrical magic by the Basque Company, Kulunka Teatro, last seen here in 2012, and now back for a limited run at LATC.

Their poignant tale concerns an elderly couple and their son who are trying to cope with the tragic onset of Alzheimer’s. In their austere living room (cleverly understated by Laura Gomez), we first see Andre seated at his desk, pecking away at his typewriter, while Dorine is managing a few notes on her cello. A visit from their son gives rise to some light, humorous moments of familial bonding, but then the mood gradually changes, and we bear sad witness to Dorine’s gradual disintegration from Alzheimer’s, and the relentless testing of their bond of love.

It’s a compelling 90- minutes of storytelling, made all the more so because it has not one syllable of dialogue or words; it’s all related through mime, gesture, the use of masks, and loud silences, as the cast of three brings to life an assortment of characters It’s so effective and emotionally wrenching, you wonder whether words would have added anything at all.

Whether at home, or during an awkward, humorous visit to the doctor’s, a first meeting or jittery romantic encounter, you always know what’s being told onstage. Credit goes to director Iñaki Rikarte and the astonishing skills of Jose Dault, Garbiñe Insausti (who designed some terrific masks), and Edu Càrcame.

Basque Company, Kulunka Teatro at Los Angeles Theater Center, 514 S. Spring St., Dwntwn.; Thur.-Sat., 8 p.m.; Sun., 3 p.m.; through June 7. (866) 811-4111, www.thelatc.org