Using a combination of Bharatanatyam (an Indian classical dance style) and contemporary, interpretive dance, this show is a feast for the eyes, ears, heart and soul. Dancer Seeta Patel and choreographer Lina Limosani have created a piece that manages to feel ancient and yet completely of the moment.
Not Today’s Yesterday is a poised and thoughtful work and a spectacular performance.
Lip-synching to a narrative that often feels like long form poetry, Patel’s movement is entrancing as she uses abstract, transparent forms to represent an armada colonising a new land, bringing trinkets and gifts and, inevitably the downfall of the beautiful land that we have learned of in her tale.
The soundtrack flits from oppressive to exultation and Patel throws herself into the performance with frantic hand-choreography and a wide-eyed earnestness that places her in the role of the narrator. Perhaps the pre-recorded speech was necessary due to the physicality of the role but it would have been exquisite to hear her speak the words live. This in no way lessens the impact of the tale or indeed the entire experience.
Not Today’s Yesterday is a poised and thoughtful work and a spectacular performance from a powerful dancer.
