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Trapped

 
Leon Conrad Review by Leon Conrad 5 Published: 26 Aug 2009 Show Dates: 31 Dec 1969-31 Dec 1969

Blurring the boundaries between theatrical performance and dance, this artful show mixes different styles of movement with poetry, dialogue and brilliant choreography to produce a compelling narrative which outlines the fight of individualism against collectivism. The state is out to get your brother, but you just want a quiet life. Your wife fears for your life. The henchmen of the state are after you. Where can you go that's safe? Who can you turn for help? It’s no wonder you feel trapped. Choreographer Maresa von Stockert takes a deep delight in exploring all facets of the relationships within this story of oppression, submission, revolution. She has her dancers climbing up the walls of metal cages like human baboons, dancing with tables and shirts in a laboratory scene, resisting arrest, and clinging to each other in desperate love. Filing boxes and concertina files expand to try to absorb the dancers, to compartmentalise them, to trap them, but they are compelled to break free – but the exploration of the topic of freedom is subtle. For one it is breaking away from the monotony, for another it is immersing himself in it. The range of expression von Stockert and the Tilted Productions dancers portray through their bodies is awe-inspiring. Add to that some beautifully crafted scenes using filing boxes and OHP, film tape and lighting, and there is much to please, delight, challenge, entertain, surprise, particularly at the end, when a welcome change brings about … well, that would be telling. Definitely worth seeing whether you’re into theatre or dance. It works equally well on both levels and that’s saying something.

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The Blurb:

Captivating, thought-provoking new dance theatre from award-winning choreographer Maresa von Stockert. Concerns of personal freedom in surveillance-obsessed times inspire an exceptional audiovisual experience weaving striking choreography, original music, spoken word and contemporary mime. 'Magical' (Time Out). www.tilted.org.uk