abstract:narrative
Inverted Dance Theatre
Holden St Theatres
Tues 13 March
until Sun 18 March



This fringe your choices of what to see in the dance collection is quite diverse, but if you would like to see your more traditional dance theatre (well in traditional fringe style) then you can see Abstract:narrative. This is a double bill from Inverted Dance theatre, made up of a quartet of physical performers whose talents range from aerialists to choreographers to gymnasts, though only a duo perform, Kathryn Newnham and Steph Hutchison.

The first dance, entitled The narrative short work; Childhood Moments, is an idea that has been done many times before (and sometimes better). Two girls swing around on the swing set with carefree naivety until one pushes the other and it's all fisty-cuffs and snatching. This work is clearly the newer of the two and seems a little bit sloppy. The balances that have been incorporated into the dance are wobbly and the characterisation just doesn't quite work. However, there are some great moments, like the girls fighting for the limelight or the torch dance; when given more rehearsal it will develop into something of better quality. The second piece, An abstract journey; Destructible Bodies is a very fine piece of dance performance. The control that Newnham and Hutchison have over their 'destructible bodies' is fascinating to watch, such a big change from the first piece. The use of lighting (thanks to Paul O'Keefe), space and emptiness builds an atmosphere so brittle it could snap with the jerk of an arm. This piece can get the blood pumping and the senses crashing.

One small problem; the two performances don't have anything in common (apart from the performers) but think about it this way, you get two different shows for the price of one!

Toni Main