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pAges

 
Frodo Allan Review by Frodo Allan 3 Published: 19 Aug 2025 theSpace @ Symposium Hall Show Dates: 18 Aug 2025-23 Aug 2025

Seattle-based Suitcase Dance Theatre returns to the Fringe with another original dance piece featuring a talented ensemble of dancers of mixed ages. pAges is presented as a series of vignettes pulled from a journal chronicling a dancer’s life – from childhood, through dance school, career, love and family, to later life and bittersweet memories. Loosely based on the experiences of director and choreographer Veronica Mendoca (who also performs), it is a compelling yet slight performance that hints at a deeper, more powerful piece yet to be staged.

A talented ensemble of dancers

The cast of ten are mostly dressed in white costumes painted to make them seem like living sketches. It’s a striking visual and works well to convey that we’re watching journaled memories unfold before us. A standout moment sees some of the cast don dark flowing tops with long sleeves, used to create a cat’s cradle that entangles another dancer. It’s beautiful and sinister at the same time. Other sections, however, feel a little on the nose: three dancers are tormented by others in T-shirts labelled ‘fear’, ‘angst’ and ‘self-doubt’; another moment has a barre become literal bars to imprison a dancer. By contrast, routines left open to interpretation feel stronger. I found myself veering between intrigue and disappointment.

The choreography makes good use of the small stage, although it’s a shame that the seating layout means I rarely saw the dancers’ feet, especially during the tap sequences. Dance loses something when you can’t see the feet. Still, there are many beautiful moments in pAges: the choreography is tight and dynamic, the dancers know when to be characterful and when to let movement speak, and the music choices are fabulous – I could imagine making a Spotify playlist based on this show. Criticism aside, this is a talented troupe and the beginnings of a strong production. If you’re a fan of dance that mixes classic and modern styles while telling a story that’s easy to follow, you can’t go wrong with pAges.

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The Blurb:

We’re back with a brand-new show, after the dazzling run of our 2024 show that earned four stars and Pick of the Fringe from Mervyn Stutter! Journal entries come to life through the company’s unique, dynamic fusion of tap, ballet, and contemporary choreography, enhanced by spoken word, props and puppetry. pAges tells the story of what happens when you dare to pursue the life of your dreams in a world that demands conformity. Depicting a lifelong journey from childhood awe to heartbreak, resilience and the quest for self-discovery, pAges is powerful, heartfelt theatre for those who dare to dream!