January
2004 Review: Random Dance - The Playhouse |
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Amanda
Weaver & Khamlane Halsackda. |
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Random Dance
The Oxford Playhouse
Saturday 24 January 2004
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By
Jenny Enarsson
Polar
Sequences gives loud and clear evidence that Random Dance produces
some of the best British modern dance today. In three pieces by
three different choreographers, the company exhibits an impressive
range of style and emotion.
The
distinctly different pieces, all of which were created in collaboration
with the dancers, are enjoyable not only because of the amazing
skills and talent of the dancers. The humour and cleverness in the
choreography and the self-assured charisma of the performers lift
Polar Sequences to withering heights.
Firstly
we are treated to an abstract ensemble piece. At times spastic and
at times slow and dreamlike it enchants the audience while telling
several stories at once.
The
second piece is theatrical and funny, and involves live cooking.
While three characters carry on with all kinds of emotional drama
in the foreground, a jovial chef calmly carries on cooking upstage
before losing his temper and throwing a hilarious tantrum in front
of the happily eating and completely unfazed dancers. When the lovely
cooking smells reach the stalls, it adds a unique and delightful
element to the experience.
The final piece is a definite highpoint of the performance. Dressed
in discretely feathered costumes the dancers move back and forth
across the stage in an unmistakably birdlike fashion. Against the
backdrop of music by Marilyn Manson we are then treated to what
is perhaps best described as Swan Lake on speed. This gorgeous and
incredibly energised choreography makes it obvious how much the
dancers are enjoying themselves, and that is what makes it truly
unforgettable.
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