This is a mesmerising, funny and well-crafted example of modern choreography, which explores what you can achieve when you are put under restrictions.
Accessible for people new to dance, and intriguing and new for old hands.
The dancers are unable to move their feet; they are tied into one spot on the stage, and placed in a line. This confinement results in fabulous moments as the dancers test the limits of their space – weaving in and out of each other’s, reaching, leaning and yearning for freedom whilst trying to break free of their bounds, into a new world. There is a sense of loose storyline and character that is easy to follow, meaning the audience really cares for the dancers and search for freedom. The opening draws laughter as the performers incorporate in visual comedy, building up a set of rules for how they can move, and then breaking them all for comic effect.
The choreography is enthralling to watch, from seemingly physics-breaking leaning and sweeping movements that flow along the whole line, to intricate gestures in perfectly coordinated conflict sections: beautiful collections of near-misses. The performers need congratulating for their fantastic stamina, as they repeatedly fall to the stage and rise again, and energetically attempt to break free from their bonds, but end up merely frustrated.
Large sections of the piece are performed without accompaniment, bringing a sense of immediacy to the performance. The music by Clarinet Factory, a wonderful woodwind quartet, is sweeping and excellent at bringing pace and tension to moments that need highlighting. The lighting is very well designed, both in the subtle moments, with the striking opening and slow illumination of the line, to the fantastic finale of the show.
I would recommend this show to everyone: it is a great piece of dance, accessible for people new to dance, and intriguing and new for old hands.
