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Latest items? Unedited? Fringe Report Uncut
La Nuit Intime
Verdict: Passionate action, gentle joy
Newcastle Upon Tyne - The Hyena - Jan/Feb 06 - (2hr 30min)
UK Tour - balletLORENT
3 Feb Cornwall - www.the-wateringhole.co.uk
5 Feb Lincoln - Annexe Night Club
9 Feb Leeds - www.thewardrobe.co.uk
13 Feb - Hull - Pave, Princes Ave
16 Feb - Kendal - www.breweryarts.co.uk/
20 Feb London - http://www.spitz.co.uk/
Liv Lorent - Interview
Action is non-stop, but opens slowly. The Girl From Ipanema fades, and conversations subdue. In spaces among the audience, 13 dancers present aspects of intimacy.
All are happy and involved, sharing private moments. A dancer swings, innocent, provocative. Two men dance a tango. Two women hold each other close in quiet tenderness, loosening hair and clothing. Loving scenarios happen within touching-distance and far away obscured by the audience and the set-up of the room. There is an improvised casualness about the dancers and their skills show it isnt true. When not dancing, they sit together or separately: next to the audience, and apart.
The music transforms slow affectionate movements into passionate Flamenco exchanges. The score includes Spanish, Russian, Jazz, French chanson, and pop anthem with the dancers matching each mood. Sometimes, there are four or more interpretations of the sound at the same time.
Mild flirting evolves to madcap chases around an adult climbing-frame. The frame becomes a place to swing child-like without restraint; to hang in limbo, or experience serene embraces in mid-air. A wind-machine in an alcove cools the performers. The movement of their hair, bodies and costumes adds a backdrop to the roles danced elsewhere. There is unconventional pole-dancing, feather fans used unusually, and some very weird pointe-work with gasps, laughter and applause greeting the unexpected.
The show develops into an acrobatic frenzy, juxtaposed with slow, elegant balances. Gradually, everyone gets tired - and the evening becomes more tranquil. Two women waltz, lit by mirror-balls; couples nuzzle and cuddle as they move. A partner is slowly unwrapped. The dancers expose their vulnerability; moves are more clumsy and incomplete. The exhaustion heightens their humanity - real bodies with real people inside.
La Nuit Intime reveals drama without conflict, and giving without limits. The performers convey the truth - and beauty - of being human. Smiling, passionate action and gentle joy; fabulous costumes, a subtle choice of music, dancers brave beyond normality - Liv Lorent has created an unforgettable delight.
Cast Credits: Dancers: (alpha order): Gwen Berwick, Gavin Coward, Katryn Jackson, Arran Knight, Meritxell Pan Cabo, Debbi Purtill, Mariusz Raczynski, Davie Rae, Caroline Reece, Raymond Roa, Juliet Thompson, Philippa White, Kelly Wilson.
Company Credits: Director Liv Lorent. Choreography Liv Lorent & The Company. Rehearsal Director Simon Birch. Costume Design Paul Shriek. Lighting Design Malcolm Rippeth. Sound Ben Ponton. Stage Manager Graeme Nixon. Flamenco Rhythms Coach Raul Calderton. Photography Mariusz Raczynski, Ben Crompton. Company Manager Christine Grimwood. Marketing Officer Zoλ Booth. Music Selection Liv Lorent, Ben Crompton, Ben Ponton. Company - ballet Lorent. Supported by - Northern Rock Foundation, DANCECITY, Arts Council England.
END
(c) Peter Andrews 2006
reviewed Tuesday 31 January 06 / The Hyena, Newcastle upon Tyne
Fringe Report (c) Fringe Report 2002-2012
www.fringereport.com
