THEATRE REVIEWS

The production by the Phoenix Dance Theatre was divided into four unrelated and very distinctive performances. The great skill of the dancers was evident, many dancing solo.

The first composition titled Signal, was choreographed by Henri Oguike. This had a very organic feel, both the male and female dancers were dressed alike. The striking lighting in reds and oranges and the use of real fire added to the natural feel. The dancers had excellent command of the stage, linking the dance to the jungle beats and war drums.

The second creation was called Can you see me by Rui Horta. This was centred around the interpretation of music by Jimi Hendrix. Four separate and unique dancers each displayed a form of modern dance, emphasised by the individuals different attire and use of the stage. I enjoyed how their contrasting routines were brought to a finale with all the dancers interacting simultaneously.

Dance number three called Source 2 by Darshan Singh Bhuller used videoography to help set the ambience along with the dramatic, yet elementary sound effects. The absence of colour furnished the scene with a purity and allowed the two dancers to perform unhindered to peripheral distractions. The dance was concluded unclothed, the dim lighting and format of the routines ensured it was respectable and appropriate.

The final piece called polystyrene dreams was my favourite. The choreographer Maresa von Stockert introduced humour with the use of props, though the many dancers on stage at one time was possibly slightly bewildering. The props and costumes had a washed out appearance reflecting their hum drum everyday work. The unstimulating assignments caused them to slip into daydreams producing bizarre and humorous dance routines.

Four different Choreographers, four very different performances, none of which disappointed. © SG

“Phoenix Dance Theatre - 04” is in Sheffield on the 22nd and 23rd March, 2004.