| 09 August 2009
Dance Base, National Centre for Dance
5-16 August (ex. 11), times vary.
Opening skits of drunken chanting as ‘lads’ and childish clapping games are a misleading introduction to this fast paced, sensitive and complex exploration of the events and experiences that shape male relationships. Rapidly shifting mood and tempo, from tender familial interrelations to feverish violence, are combined with exquisite choreography.
Anthony Missen and Kevin Turner are not only accomplished dancers but also gripping actors whose subtle facial expressions and gestures quickly brought to life thoroughly convincing characters: from exuberant little boys with their fathers, to testosterone drenched, gun-toting gang leaders. Their greatest triumph though is their choreography. The varied pace within scenes and sequences crafted an at times electrifying, at others terrifying atmosphere, though amid the frenzy of energetic, narrative dance, some of the most poignant and affecting moments were precisely constructed by the simple holding of hands. This simplest of gestures conveyed abject terror, tenderness, support and struggle. Despite the obvious complexity and acrobatic nature of the routines, they were performed effortlessly and in perfect synchronization, which made this male duet riveting to watch though at times the abstract nature of a sequence held my attention without really engaging me in the action.
Fast paced and finely tuned to produce a powerful emotional range, this intelligent, simultaneously touching and confronting performance is totally engrossing.
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