In 1981, the city of Leeds witnessed the birth of yet another dance company – Phoenix Dance Theatre. About 33 years down the line, Phoenix has established itself as one of the leading contemporary dance companies in in the world. Featuring two electrifying world premieres and a renowned company classic, Phoenix enthralled the audience at Nottingham Playhouse with a triple blaster.
Under the artistic direction of Sharon Watson, the mixed programme 2014 began with Didy Veldman’s See Blue Through. First performed in 2005, the vivacious choreography took us on a journey underwater. The group of extremely energetic dancers slowly dived into the very mysterious and grim depths of the ocean, exploring the possibilities of existence. Blended with Alfred Schnittke’s atmospheric Sonata for Violin, Chamber Orchestra and elastic costumes, the sensuous and dreamy act left the crowd grasping for air – as if underwater.
The five dancers were seen to struggle with the complexities of human emotion
The stage also witnessed the ground-breaking choreography of Europe’s dynamic duo Ivgi and Greben for it’s second act, Document. Disturbing yet scintillating, the five dancers were seen to struggle with the complexities of human emotion in a dangerously inhuman world. Scored by Tom Parkinson, the piece was unpredictable and rebellious, depicting several attempts made by humans to achieve a state of catharsis. Although the act almost lost the audience attention as a result of its considerable amount of time to establish a constant strength and pace, the synchronization of the dancers was applaudable.
Original and demanding, the choreography proved to be extremely effective
The finale showcased a company classic – Mapping, the first work by the theatre’s former Artistic Director Darshan Singh Bhuller. Inspired by his father’s journey from East to West, the stage was transformed into an arena of never ending celebration. Exuberant, humorous and innovative, the choreography for eight elevated the delightful score by American musicians Warren Cuccurullo and Kaki King to a whole new level. The act suffered certain technological glitches when incorporating video footage which was used to represent a dancer looking down on the earth from above. Nevertheless, the classic remained thrilling and powerful to the end.
Original and demanding, the choreography proved to be extremely effective from the beginning to the end of the show. Even so, the dancers were yet to achieve a sense of flawlessness in certain areas which would only revamp the act into something more beautiful. Though more of a monochromatic evening, it was definitely worth the time.
Priya Varughese
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