THEATRE REVIEWS

This production by Merce Cunningham Dance Company, is part of their first UK dance tour. This one night show in Sheffield was specifically produced for the Lyceum stage and was performed to a full house. The Lyceum stage was stripped back to its carcass revealing behind the stage which would usually be out of site. This provided a large uninterrupted area to dance. The dancers can be seen waiting to enter the stage from the wings, which enhances the fact that Merce Cunningham wishes us to enjoy the whole experience of dance.

The stage decor is in the form of a large picture hanging from the back of the stage. Simple lighting, by Josh Johnson, is used which slowly changes in hue during the performance. The live music by music director Takehisa Kosugi incorporates lots of different sounds at varying volumes which intensifies the organic feel to the whole performance.

The performance began simply with the dancers casually entering onto the stage. "Event" is the name given to the performance which consists of old and new material, which is adapted for each particular setting. The costumes are unelaborate and are identical for both male and female characters, aiding us to focus upon the intricate movements of their bodies. The production is by no means pretentious and involves the whole company, rather than branches from it.

My attention was constantly gripped by either the groups of dancers or single sequences performed simultaneously. We were treated at the end of the performance to an appearance by Merce Cunningham which brought about a mass of applause. Overall a fantastic experience. © SG

“Merce Cunningham Dance Company” is in Sheffield on the 12th October, 2004 as part of a nationwide tour.