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Kismet

 
Stephanie Green Review by Stephanie Green 3 Published: 4 Jul 2025 Edinburgh Festival Theatre Show Dates: 3 Jul 2025-4 Jul 2025

Kismet, a double bill from Rambert, begins with the hugely disappointing Gallery of Consequence by Dutch choreographer Emma Evelein – a shame, as this was a premiere – followed by B.R.I.S.A., much more accomplished but still a curate’s egg from the legendary Johan Inger, the Swedish choreographer.

A curate's egg

Gallery of Consequence is set in an airport waiting area and progresses through various scenarios of check-in, waiting, chance encounters, boarding, etc. Robotic hip-hop movements suggest how we are controlled and alienated in that environment, and those who love hip-hop will enjoy it. But a whole piece composed of jerky movements, spasms and incomprehensible gestures becomes tedious in the extreme. Attempts at emotional expressivity are made in some solos and duets – in particular, a love duet in which a girl is dumped and reacts by plonking herself on a bench and hiding her eyes in her hands. This clichéd lack of subtlety defines the whole piece.

To be honest, the Departure Board, designed by AMIANGELIKA, which morphs into silhouettes of couples, was more interesting – though its list of flights boarding at the beginning, changing to flights cancelled at the end, was another heavy-handed attempt at pathos. Evelein’s background is in music videos and dance films, and her lack of experience in contemporary dance choreography is telling.

B.R.I.S.A. by Johan Inger (premiered in 2014) saved the evening. Most importantly, the expressive, complex and subtle choreography allowed the Rambert dancers to show off their magnificent technique, flexibility and athleticism.

Beginning with dancers shuffling around the edge of a large carpet – alienated and isolated – they then break out into frenzied movements, only to subside into depression again. Edinburgh’s audience may remember the recent production of his Passing alongside Crystal Pite’s Frontier with Ballet BC, where his quirky sense of humour shone. It’s evident here too, as he explores the theme of liberation using an increasing number of wind-creating gadgets: electric fans, a Japanese red fan, hairdryers and – to top it all – leaf blowers, as the dancers revel in the cool breeze. (B.R.I.S.A. is inspired by the Spanish word for breeze. A coincidence that this production coincides with a heatwave in Europe.)

All this is set to the soulful voice of Nina Simone, singing Black Swan, Wild Is the Wind and Sinnerman. What a joy. Unfortunately, the piece descended into some incoherent rambling at the end, which spoilt an otherwise fascinating production.

Amir Nisi

Stephanie Green

Stephanie Green has reviewed Theatre and Dance in Edinburgh since 2011 but previously travelled widely, mainly in Eastern Europe and Russia, writing about puppetry. She also studied shadow puppetry and sacred dance in Bali. In the 1970s, she trained as a puppeteer at the Little Angel, London and later worked at the alternative In the Heart of the Beast Mask and Puppet Theater in Minneapolis, Minnesota, U.S.A. After training at the Place, the London School of Contemporary Dance, in her 20s she then gave up dancing until starting again in her 60s just for fun. She has recently danced in a community group with Barrowland Ballet (at the Edinburgh Fringe, 2013), Oceanallover and at the South Bank, London as part of the Festival of the Silver Age. She is also a novelist, playwright and poet. www.stephaniegreen.org.uk/

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The Blurb:

We are delighted to present this double bill in association with Rambert and to host the World Premiere of Gallery of Consequence at the Festival Theatre.

Life has a way of surprising us…

Like getting stuck in traffic, waking up on the wrong side of the bed, or running into an ex. It’s the delicate balance between the plans we make and the twists we never see coming. KISMET brings together two heartfelt works that reflect on the unpredictable and deeply human experience we all share.

Gallery of Consequence

Airports are unusual places. Every gate tells a story, and every departure marks a choice. In Gallery of Consequence, choreographer Emma Evelein reflects on the moments that shape our lives. With striking sounds and visuals, Rambert’s dancers bring to life the chaos, quiet, and connections we find in transit in this moving new piece.

B.R.I.S.A.

Inspired by the Spanish word for “breeze”, Johan Inger’s B.R.I.S.A. is a joyful whirlwind of movement, music, and humour. With leaf blowers propelling the action and a killer soundtrack (featuring Nina Simone), this iconic work explores how the smallest shifts can spark transformation. Rambert’s dancers bring warmth, playfulness, and dynamic energy to a piece that celebrates the beauty of breaking free.

KISMET is produced in association with Capital Theatres. This production is made possible thanks to the support of the Rambert Commissioning Circle. Gallery of Consequence was generously supported by The Thistle Trust.

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