Featuring a compelling trio of dancers, watching Unholy Trinity is a powerful and raw experience.
The show begins with Avatara Ayuso’s Salome, a provocative retelling of Salome’s infamous dance for King Herod. Ayuso emerges from the darkness in a seductive red dress, her movements precise and inviting. She embodies a powerful sexuality that feels both enticing and dangerous; it is impossible to take your eyes off this effervescent siren. The dancer’s astonishing flexibility and powerful swooping movements convey a heightened sense of drama that fits the telling of this story perfectly.
The whole show is geared towards excitement, the lighting acting simply and effectively to create heavy shadows and dramatic shapes on the dancer’s body. Ayuso portrays Salome’s grizzly end with a pinch of melodrama, but this does not mar her bewitching performance.
Next to grace the stage is Giorgia Nardin with Dolly, an exploration of a mechanical reading of the body inspired by the Barbie phenomenon. Nardin provides a stark difference to Ayuso’s style; stillness and slow considered movements enhance her robotic expression.This performance is even more haunting in its vulnerability and strangeness and equally as fascinating to watch as the last.
The slow strength of her body is revealed in careful poses, held in tension with astounding balance and poise. The performance moves into a frantic and disturbing examination of innocent sexuality, using the natural noises of the body in movement to shock and perplex the audience.
Softer Swells by Aiofe McAtamney was the highlight of the three performances. Casual, plain clothed costume and the completely unaccompanied singing and choreography set the scene for an innovative, captivating and remarkable performance. The combination of McAtamney’s beautifully soft Celtic voice and her awkward, contorted movements was utterly spellbinding. Strange movements that were unfamiliar and jarring were simultaneously natural and sensual.
Singing comic updated Celtic songs that were clever and witty, her performance was fresh and exciting. McAtamney is clearly an amazingly skilled dancer, but it was her originality that made her shine the brightest.
Although a little disjointed, the show as a whole worked well. Each dancer brought a new and unique interpretation to the table, which was refreshing to see. Unholy Trinity is a haunting experience that will stay with you long after the lights come up.
