|
|
|
|
Boxin
Summary
Review of Kompany Malakhi's production of Boxin
Sudbury Upper School
28th March 2009
New Wolsey Theatre, Ipswich
Set at night on the urban streets below an apartment block, Boxin uses contemporary dance to explore the interplay and changing relationships between four young people of different races and the man who watches them from the window of his apartment.
|
|
|
Set at night on the urban streets below an apartment block, Boxin uses contemporary dance to explore the interplay and changing relationships between four young people of different races and the man who watches them from the window of his apartment. Through a variety of dance routines, which employ Hip Hop, parkour (street running) and other types of physical expression, the dancers show the changing dynamics of their relationships with each other, as they fight, make love, abandon each other and become prey to prejudice and stereotyping.
While the dance routines are varied, often visually exciting and sometimes poignant, the author’s message, which is about prejudice and stereotyping in society, is conveyed in a heavy handed way. Rather than leave the dance itself to communicate the message, he interrupts the flow some halfway in with a loud narrator’s voice which interrogates the dancers and lets them speak on these subjects. The dancers are not actors and have trouble projecting their voices. It all seems very crude and didactic and it’s a relief when he allows the dance to speak for itself, which it does, and very fluently. Apart from this one lapse, the production overall is of a high standard, the dance routines impressive and very effective and the loud, bassy soundtrack the perfect accompaniment. All five dancers were exceptional, but I would single out Keira Martin for special praise.
Alice Gilfillan
Sudbury Upper School
28th March 2009
|
|
If you need information in large print, audio cassette, braille, translation (written or verbal) or signed interpretation, let us know when you contact us. About our translation services.
Last updated on: 18 August 2011 | Date of next review: 18 August 2012
|
|
|