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Paradise City
Branch Nebula
Space Theatre
Wed 23 April
Season closed
'Paradise City' brings together six street and dance artists, performing in six entirely unique and exciting ways. The acrobat, singer, skate boarder, dancer, B-Boy and BMX rider all developed ways to express themselves individually, yet were intricately choreographed so as to move as one collaboration, in a spellbinding and breathtaking performance.
Co-creators Lee Wilson and Mirabelle Wouters hoped that the audience would focus on the forms rather than a story so intentionally created no narrative. However, the performers still toyed with rivalries and friendships, and challenged and courted each other through energetically charged choreography.
The energy flow in the theatre seemed to draw in and repel the audience, while the impossibly impressive jumps and spins made us hold our breath. The performers imitated street life; co-existing and showing off their moves to each other. An interesting pattern emerged as they subtly began to mimic and incorporate each other's art in to their own; often with a playful attitude but sometimes also in an intimidating, aggressive manner. To watch these conflicts materialise is what made this production such a pleasure to watch and provided an utterly fascinating insight in to a culture, without the aid of a narrative or an overbearing political tone.
While the performers moved simultaneously around each other on the small stage, there seemed to be no unintended swerves or sudden avoidances, and thus it became clear that every last second had been timed to perfection. Bob Scott and singer Inga Liljestrom composed a fusion of street music and eerie, romantic vocals to accompany the performers, and I was amazed to hear that the soundtrack was actually mixed live during the flawless production.
'Paradise City' was a joy to watch - the stunts were amazing and the fact that they performed such exhausting choreography for a whole hour without a break was impressive in itself. The cast, who were recruited in various ways; from auditions to scouting at BMX competitions, proved their skills exceeded those of acrobats and dancers, by portraying convincing role play and moving with intense emotion and conviction. The production drew crowds from all walks of life, including Adelaide's new talent dancers, to grown-up skaters who were overheard promising to jump back on their board when they got home. Even for those who'd never stepped near a BMX, 'Paradise City' proved an inspiring and entertaining evening at the Space.
Bianca Weiler
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