This show is a must see multi-sensory experience. An inky masterpiece!
The opening of the play is beautiful. The dancers create a lovely fluid feel through their use of silky material and movement. The simple set allows the audience to trace the movements of the dancers and gently slip into a dream like world of wonder.
Hanging from the back wall there are seven sheets of vertical paper strips. This is used to show film clips of Beijing-based artist Cindy Ng’s ink art. Her ink forms a beautiful moving landscape and stirs the imagination.
Throughout the production there are subtle changes in lighting and the occasional use of colour from the moving ink images. A beautiful musical score is used throughout. Occasionally a calm disembodied voice fills the stage which helps to break up the different sections of the narrative. I really enjoyed the non-textual elements and storytelling through the use of the body.
The dancers have a hypnotising group dynamic. They work well together and individually. Each physical score is filled with beautiful moments of tension, opposition and varying different paces ranging from slow to fast.
The company have an imaginative approach to props, from umbrellas to flowing fabrics, bowls of water or strips of paper. These abstract materials are curiously manipulated. One catches a glimpse of gently floating fabric or the ear hears the mysterious ruffle of paper. I really enjoyed the interesting watery traces that filled the stage.
Along with the stunning images of moving ink the dancers present an organic and beautiful piece of physical theatre which is fluid and moving. I highly recommend this show. The actions and physical scores are all mesmerising and enchanting. This show is a must see multi-sensory experience. An inky masterpiece!
