The best dance performances are able to tell their story without prior explanation.
This piece, by Brighton-based theatre company Probe, which combined a script and songs, lacked the narrative signposting which could have made it the complete package.
Technically, it was riveting: the live music was sparse, haunting and ethereal; the dancing was gloriously confused and mangled in emotion; the choreography was free-form and fluid yet mapped to near perfection.
The two dancers, man and woman, mirrored in their relationship through matching dark red and khaki attire, portrayed the earthiness of a close relationship in all its raw detail. They need each other but want space, they pursue each other but try to escape, they attract and repel, tussle and embrace – all, seemingly, at the same time in places.
There were times when you couldn’t tell if the solo multi-instrumentalist providing the aural texture was leading the dancers, or vice versa – that’s a good thing.
But where it fell down was in the story’s clarity. Should a piece be left open to interpretation? For those who think yes, this will tick all the boxes; for the rest, read up on it. Either way, it will impress in its execution.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here