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Latest items? Unedited? Fringe Report Uncut
Plasmas
Verdict: Contemporary Manipuri dance
London - Blue Elephant Theatre - 21-23 September 06 20:00 (0:50)
Plasmas draws heavily from the classical Indian dance-form, Manipuri. Judging from this show, Manipuri is characterised by graceful, stylised arm and hand gestures, light, flat-footed steps, and spinning,
The performers are all impressively accomplished and focused, as Anwesha Ahmeds choreography tosses them through aggression, playfulness and contemplation. Anwesha Ahmed steals the show with her seemingly effortless, delicately-controlled movements demonstrating how expressive and graceful her dance-form can be.
Perhaps the most appealing aspect of Plasmas is the lack of separation between dance and music. All seven performers dancers and musicians - share the same stark black stage, dressed in identical burgundy outfits. Will Streets sparse, elegiac score - performed on violin, conga, and sarangi - complements the dance perfectly, without overpowering it. The dancers stamping feet, jangling anklets and occasional chanting blends with the sound of the instruments, and lends the show a beguilingly organic quality.
If there is a suggestion of work-in-progress, this can be taken as encouragement that the Anwesha Amhed Company will continue to grow and experiment and produce even more interesting work in future.
Cast Credits: Dancers (alpha order): Anwesha Ahmed. Catriona Johnson. Miia Laiho. Rachel Landers. Musicians: Olmo Cassibba conga, tabla. Kirit Singh sarangi. Will Street violin.
Company Credits: Choreographer / Artistic Director - Anwesha Ahmed. Musical Director - Will Street. Lighting Designer - Jason Kirk. Technical Operator (uncredited). Costume Designers - Hannah Lenim, Anwesha Ahmed. Producer - Rahul Sinha. Company - Anwesha Amhed Company. Website - www.anweshaahmedcompany.co.uk
END
(c) Jenny Diggins 2006
reviewed Thursday 21 September 06 / Blue Elephant
Fringe Report (c) Fringe Report 2002-2012
www.fringereport.com
