Nicola Monaco Solo in Purgatorio
Amy Knauff Extra medium
Morgann Runacre-Temple Shrewlands
Last night's show was highlighted by impressive dancers throughout, starting with Nicola Monaco in the compelling Solo in Purgatorio. This was abstract dance at its best, where dancer-choreographer Monaco clearly and profoundly told the story with his body. Movement, music and lights married strongly and showed the impact of those caught in the world between Hell and Paradise. Anger was the impetus for boxing-inspired gestures, and was satisfyingly well-developed into more whole-bodied and sophisticated movement. Monaco went beyond technique and delivered an instinctive, gutsy performance that was meaty, athletic and emotionally well-measured.
EXTRA medium was a romp in polka dots and green stripes about being average which remained decidedly average. Although the movement was interesting, the ideas were undeveloped and the piece didn't really go anywhere. There wasn't enough depth behind the notions to keep you from wondering what the point of it all was. On the other hand, dancer-choreographer Amy Knauff and dancer Chandelle Allen were above average and danced very well together. Their technique was clean and their timing in the duets was nearly impeccable. Overall, the piece met its expectations but it didn't wow.
Shrewlands was a beautiful work, with engaging movement, expressive dancers, and lovely lighting and music that tied the whole piece together. It started with intricate gestures from two dancers sitting on a bench, with light falling only on their limbs while the rest of their bodies were in darkness. The movement effortlessly grew more full-bodied, and transitions using lighting enabled the ensuing duets to slide silkily from one couple to another. The movement was more balletic, but it took risks and was imaginative and sophisticated, with smooth phrasing. The dancers, almost model-like in their features, were expressive and agile movers, with solid technique and a kinetic energy that was mesmerizing. Their duets were highlighted by strong connections between the dancers that gave an emotional resonance. The only complaint is that it ended too soon.
Jobina Bardai