Five strong female dancers took The Theatre Centre BMO Incubator stage in an abstract contemporary dance number that was both physically demanding and also quite intense. Choreographed by well-known choreographer Amanda Acorn, the SummerWorks production multiform(s) was a fluid, dynamic piece that showed a great deal of willpower and endurance.
It is always fun to walk into a theatre and be welcomed in by the performers already dancing on the stage. One of the movements that caught my eye was a repetitive motion with their heads and necks that had a sort of whiplash feel to it. Even though the movements looked simple, the difficulty of moving the head and neck back and forth required a lot of focus and strength. I know if I was doing that particular repetitive movement I’d be paying a visit to my massage therapist right after!
Although it sometimes looked like it was all improvisation, there were moments in the piece that the dancers came together as a group and moved in sync. I loved the surprise element of the choreography. I never knew what to expect.
For the most part, the dancers performed non-stop, taking only one brief breather on the dance floor. I think it was in that moment I took a breath as well. I could feel the exhaustion from all that movement!
What I particularly enjoyed was the live sound by Germaine Liu. Liu walked from corner-to-corner of the theatre, playing unique and mysterious sounds. In particular, the look of concentration and intensity in her face was what lured me in. I would have loved it if she was on the main stage itself and not behind or on the side of the audience.
Even though I am personally more drawn to story-telling in performance, I can appreciate the physicality and commitment this performance demanded of the dancers. If you enjoy beautiful abstract contemporary dance, than check out multiform(s) at SummerWorks.
Details:
multiform(s) is playing at The Theatre Centre BMO Incubator, 1115 Queen St. West
Showtimes:
Thursday August 6th @ 6:00 PM
Saturday August 8th @ 7:45 PM
Wednesday August 12th @ 5:00 PM
Sunday August 16th @1:00 PM
Individual SummerWorks tickets are $15 at the door (cash only). Live Art Series tickets are free – $20. Tickets are available online at summerworks.ca, by phone at 888-328-8384, Monday – Friday 8:30am-5pm, in person at the SummerWorks Info Booth – located at SummerWorks Central Box Office – located at Factory Theatre (125 Bathurst St). Open August 4-16 from 10am-7pm (Advance tickets are $15 + service fee)
Several money-saving passes are available if you plan to see at least 3 shows
Photo provided by company