The production of choice for Phoenix Company tells one man’s love story through the coupling of multimedia and dance. A battle of contemporary versus traditional ballet choreography preludes the intimate dance piece, and contrasts in its own energetic and electric atmosphere. Two dancers begin the piece with their own question and answer sequence of moves unfolding; their interaction is dynamic and the choreography achieves the experimental aspects it aims for. It is well executed but it is hard to read any story or objective that is trying to be reached. The performers deliver movement after movement but with little development.The second half of the piece incorporates two more dancers, with these final four expressing emotions and thoughts - introduced by a nostalgic and intimate film - through interpretive choreography of the love story occurring. Whilst the film delicately reveals the fate of Peter and Evelin, it is interrupted by the girls’ interpretations of the running themes. They use the space well and the girls interact, echo and lead the choreography with energy. There are lovely moments when they watch the film and wait for their next chance to live (or dance) through the memory of Peter, which serves to build the first stages of a connection between them and the film. The choreography clutches elements of innovation and inventiveness but sometimes it is hard to tell whose side of the story they are presenting, Peter’s or Evelin’s. This results in confusion for which character to hold empathy towards, and prevents any deep connection with the piece.The two sections work well on their own but it is hard to find a link between them and the production as a whole resembles a showcase of talent in film and dance, rather than a well thought out dance piece with a story to tell.
