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MOST POPULAR LINKS... FRONT PAGE... MONTHLY DRINKS NIGHT
The Tango Spell
Verdict: Wondrous
Edinburgh - C Venues - August 03
Glorious tale of passion, and the intimacy of the human sexual relationship - that's also suitable for all the family. Contradictory? Certainly not, as 50 minutes of divine dance from Pasodos Dance Company bears witness.
Tango Spell features the breathtaking dancing of the fabulous duo Laura Macias - Ballet Rambert trained and spell-binding to behold - and Gavin De Paor - trained at Russia's Perm State Choreographic Institute. Between them they captivate, delight, and do some seriously rauchy dance.
Pasados Dance Company presents a superb entertainment, a story of love, jealousy, sex and danger - complete with beginning, middle and end. A fine cast of five dancers, including Laura Macias and Gavin De Paor, plus two excellent actors gifted with the art of minimal gesture.
The Baron (Cathal Quinn)'s a nasty piece of work, in leather coat, explaining how his horsebreeder dad broke the legs of a prize colt when another chap rode her. Hmm. Things therefore don't look good for the Baron's gal, table-dancer Roxanne (Laura Macias), when Jack-the-Lad drifter Alfredo (Gavin De Paor) inclines towards the human equivalent.
Roxanne's sexy rival Trixie (Rebecca Reilly) cashes in (it's fivers down the bra in this club) on the Baron's fickle attentions, while a pair of sultry lovers (Jenny Frances & Ricardo Oria) dance provocative tango. The impassive barman (Tian De Paor) observes, bearing drinks - occasionally helping himself from the tray.
Will the evil Baron achieve his mastery over everyone and bring about a tragic end? Will true love (or the rather more enjoyable passionate sex) conquer all? All is revealed - and not just because of the costumes.
The Tango Spell's a fine work of dramatic theatre. It succeeds magnificently as dance - glorious to watch, a work of spectacle, art and superb entertainment. In the old cliché - there's never a dull moment (if only that were true of every play). But it works well as drama too - there's a taut and effective story about jealousy, power, and fame's destructive allure. As the Baron corrupts with his sprinkling of stardust (which the Barman dutifully sweeps up), integrity disintegrates.
Principal dancer Laura Macias astounds. The purity and grace of her movement, its timing, its magnificent sexuality, constantly delight - she is truly mesmeric. Principal dancer Gavin De Paor performs with elegance, a profoundly masculine grace steeped in passion - a wonder to watch. When they dance together, it's impossible to look away - they combine to produce magic. Their performance combusts, delights, and explodes.
Lovely Rebecca Reilly (Trixie) creates a fine and endearing performance, expressing in her emotionally powerful dance the longing for love - and approval. Jenny Frances & Ricardo Oria dance tango through most of the action, either centre stage or in the background - stunning work of elegant movement and feeling.
Tian De Paor's quietly tippling Barman is a fine and impassive counterpoint to the grenades of passion exploding around him. Cathal Quinn's Baron is a magnificently hissable bogeyman, oozing evil from his leather coat. His Baron is also a villain of excellent accessories - sinister beard, and a rather fetching whip.
Credits Laura Macias (Roxanne) - Artistic Director, Choreographer & Principal Dancer. Gavin De Paor (Alfredo) - Director & Principal Dancer. Cathal Quinn (The Baron) - Actor. Rebecca Reilly (Trixie) - Contemporary Dancer. Jenny Frances & Ricardo Oria - Tango Dancers. Tian De Paor (Barman). Lighting & Sound - Irvine Mennie. Company - Pasados
END
John Park
reviewed Friday 8 August 03 / C Venues Chambers Street
Fringe Report (c) Fringe Report 2002-2010
