Enjoyed watching SDC’c latest program “Interplay” last night. A triple bill of exciting and varied works for these energetic and young dancers. Choreographers: Rafael Bonachela, Jacopo Godani and Gideon Obarzanek.
My fave work was Raf’s!
Rafael’s piece was comprised of mostly solos, duets and trios. An unusual opportunity for us to experience the individual qualities of the dancers close-up. Raf’s work also revealed even more luscious curves and dynamic nuances in this intimate format. Great music too!
Jacopo Godani’s work was dramatic with startling lighting effects. The work really showcased the technical abilities of the dancers. At times, stylistically, I thought it was like “Bob Fosse meets The Borg”. Enjoyable and sometimes hilarious.
I really liked the humor and fun in Gideon Obarzanek’s piece. Although it had some lovely moments, I became impatient of his running theme of artistic impotence and ambivalence toward dance. During the dance an actress’s voice interviewed the dancers while they performed … personal and banal answers were offered by them in response. Eventually, the voice revealed her own feelings of alienation and insecurity regarding her (unseen at this point) body. She even cried pitifully. The actress then got “invited” on stage and there was an attempt to involve her in a communal dance. This framed the dancers as even more aloof and dehumanized and further underlined the staged “awkwardness” of the woman. Sigh. Does this familiar role always have to be depicted by a woman? I am happy that Mr Obarzanek is making work again. He is provocative.
Also happy to have spent the evening in the company of 21st Century visionary Eric Franklin, and other friends.
Scientist, scholar and ex-dancer, Eric is the next big thing in Somatics. Although he has been investigating the mind and movement for decades now in Europe and the US, this is his first ever visit to Australia. Yay! AND I have been fortunate enough to study with him here. Eric has developed a concrete method of teaching people to access their neurological systems to improve posture and movement in all areas. He has worked with Olympic athletes, The Royal Ballet, The Julliard School in NYC and countless other movers. Keep an eye out for him!
Charemaine Seet 