This dance-sketch show opens with a playful film, projected onto the large screen entirely covering the back wall of the space, featuring the cast as they hide behind pylons, trees and bushes, childishly sticking out limbs at odd angles. Then the dancers themselves walk on and break it down.
This Japanese quartet has a very unique style: an angular, exact and sharp form of street dance, often emulating ‘the robot’ but refined and elaborated upon to create something unbelievably original. With faultless timing the group seems to pulsate with unified force and mechanical precision. Even their facial expressions are intense and mask-like which is initially disquieting. Eventually, however, the formations become fixed to one spot and repetitive enough that I began to feel slightly bored. Just when I was wondering if this show was nothing more than a very skilful one trick pony, the dancing stopped and the projector came on again. What followed was an unexpected scene between one of the dancers and a pet rabbit. An absurd, possibly improvised, exercise followed involving the dancer attempting to mirror the physicality of the rabbit.
The show continues in a fragmented, slightly bizarre vein. The slick routines are exchanged for clowning, slapstick and a greater awareness of the audience, looking to us for laughter and approval. The comical moments were largely successful and endearing, if a little awkward and naff in delivery. Most memorable is the playful use of live projection. Two performers’ faces are projected on the large screen, whilst two others attempt to manipulate their features and play catch with their eyes. Standing at the front of the stage, the two dancer’s faces are impressively pliable and controlled.
The show comes to a close with more dance, creating a pleasing sense of symmetry with the opening. The final number is performed with refreshing abandon and some of the initial strictness is forgone for speed, fervor and humour. Jishin’s blurb describes itself as a piece ‘that will make you cry and make you laugh’. Personally I didn’t shed any tears, but I certainly laughed far more than I had expected at this idiosyncratic dance group.
