Simplistic in its staging but multi-layered in meaning and emotion, Near Gone is a painful tale of the agony of the unknown.
Kat tells her story in Bulgarian and it is translated into English by Alister who at times excels and at others fails to get the wording exactly right. Obsessive in her grief, Kat scolds him until he has picked the correct interpretation of her words. This slightly comical exchange is welcome as the only light point in the piece.
Whilst explaining the fate of her sister, the emotion sometimes overwhelms Kat and she bursts into dance accompanied by a pumping piece of music. The bunches of flowers she holds are strewn all over the stage and the clutter reflects her confusion and turmoil.
It is a strange experience to watch such a raw show and it almost feels voyeuristic. When Alister shouts for help, it is tempting to jump up and join him as Kat descends into the depths of her pain and he is left to carry on the story.
The resonance of the show will be different for each audience member depending upon their life experiences: it could be cathartic, it could be painful but it is certainly compelling viewing.