Acclaimed choreographer Jean Abreu, returns to the Fringe in collaboration with Jorge Garcia, following the success of last year’s Inside. Parallel Memories was born of a shared desire to create a work which explored personal past, present and future, and the discovery that the two Brazilian choreographers had much in common.In this introspective and contemplative male duet, Abreu and Garcia trace the trajectories - straight, squiggly and circular - of their life’s journey. The stage goes on a journey of its own: from an empty black box cut up by lines of white tape, it becomes a literal canvas for the dancers, who scribble text, dates and shapes of personal significance across it throughout the performance. This ever-changing personal landscape, the symbolism of which is left to the imagination, creates boundaries, guidelines and even physical barriers in the dance. There is also a vocal element, which, although the words are often inaudible, adds a layer of intrigue to the action.This piece effectively captures the passage of time and the meandering twists and turns of life, and features both playful solo action and delicate interaction, with some very sensitive contact work and striking imagery. At times flowing, at others stilted, it picks up pace towards the end, before concluding with an abruptness which is fitting for a journey that is not yet complete. Despite some beautiful moments, however, the work itself has further to travel and as a whole feels underdeveloped.
