That was a week, that was! (March 21st - 28th)

[zxDaveM]

Attended five very different evenings this last week (21st - 28th March).

 

First up was a trip to Islington, and Kidd Pivot’s Assembly Hall at Sadlers Wells. Dancing whilst lip synching to spoken words almost a Crystal Pite speciality. The decision by committee ruthlessly exposed, and throw in some superb solos/duets, plus Crystal’s astonishing way of moving groups of dancers around the stage, added up to an intriguing evening (apart from a break for a technical hiccup, which broke the mood rather, just as things were getting properly weird!)

 

Next was a slide down into the Linbury to see Sydney Dance Company, with their triple bill Ascent. Loved the short opening piece by AD Rafael Bonachela, the near continuous flow of the two couples of dancers was fascinating, as they filled the space, and veritably bounced off each other. Bonachela came on in the 10mins pause to charmingly introduce the company and thank all involved etc, whilst they changed the flooring/set for ‘The Shell, A Ghost, The Host & The Lyrebird’ (ch Marina Mascarell, plus her dancers). What we saw was as baffling as the title, with people swinging around on ropes, attached to torn flags/sails. I assume they were doing it right, as none were left marooned in the light rig above. Loved the score/forest soundscape (where the Lyrebird made its presence known) but apart from the odd solo, disliked this piece. After the interval (much needed to unscramble brainbox) came Anthony Hamilton’s Forever and Ever. The choreography was stunning and compelling, as the dancers stripped away layers (literally, in most cases, with costumes under costumes) with some couples ‘twinned’ in synchronicity for example - but the ‘music’ was just horrible. The opening solo to blissful silence (I came to relaise very shortly) seemed rather tagged on and as well as she danced it, I felt than an intro of 10-15 seconds would have sufficed. If I see it again, I will enjoy it even more with earplugs

 

Perhaps the quiet highlight of the week for me was at The Place (near Euston) for Mark Bruce’s Frankenstein. After an appetiser of 6 short dances to Mark’s own music (grouped as 'Liberation Day') as a sort of intro to the six dancers (how lovely to some good contemporary dancing to actual music), came a short (50mins) retelling of the Frankenstein tale. Jonathan Goddard was at his most mesmeric as the Monster, though perhaps the star of the show was Guy Hoare’s lighting (despite a technical hiccup - am I a Jonah or something?) allowing maximum use of the space. Came away wishing I had at least one more ticket

 

Wednesday was back to ROH for the MacMillan triple. Charmed by Dances concertante once again, stunned by Sarah Lamb in Requiem, sat out DD in the Floral Hall. (plenty already been said about this bill)

 

Thursday was Sadlers Wells for ENB’s Carmen (ch Johan Inger). Minju Kang as Carmen looks like a star in the making, and surely won’t be a First Artist for long. Found the piece rather episodic, and not particularly emotional or passionate. The movable pillars that acted as scenery seemed more animated at times, than some of the choreography There were moments (mainly when Kang was on stage), but also an awful lot of rolling on the floor or walking about. And Francesca Velicu as ‘The Boy’ ?? The score wrapped around snippets of Bizet’s monumental tunes was well done I thought. Kept feeling there was a great work trying to get out, but it never quite made it. Enjoyable evening though, all told.

 

This week was like recapturing my adventures when I first started to get into dance, when I went to almost everything I could. Sadly though, these days will now need a rest for 2-3 days! (Thank you Easter!)

 

[LinMM]

I’m really sad I couldn’t get to the Frankenstein as I could have only gone on the Thursday but had to be back in Brighton by early this morning so didn’t work out! 
I usually love Mark Bruce’s work and like his contemporary style ( more than Ingers anyway!) 

I really enjoyed all the music for Carmen definitely one of its pluses. 

[alison]

2 hours ago, zxDaveM said:

Perhaps the quiet highlight of the week for me was at The Place (near Euston) for Mark Bruce’s Frankenstein. After an appetiser of 6 short dances to Mark’s own music (grouped as 'Liberation Day') as a sort of intro to the six dancers (how lovely to some good contemporary dancing to actual music), came a short (50mins) retelling of the Frankenstein tale. Jonathan Goddard was at his most mesmeric as the Monster, though perhaps the star of the show was Guy Hoare’s lighting (despite a technical hiccup - am I a Jonah or something?) allowing maximum use of the space. Came away wishing I had at least one more ticket.

 

Oh blast.  I'd forgotten that it was on