Sue's News

Let’s Get Physical

June 30th, 2010

Last night, Scott and I witnessed an amazing night of physical theatre, “Move It!” at Here Arts Center, hosted by Parallel Exit. Most of the acts on offer were comedic in nature, from the graceful dancer and juggler Jennifer Slaw, to the mind-bendingly flexible Book Kennison, the silly Coney Island Chris, and antics from the irreverent Joel Jeske.

The most affecting part of the evening was the dramatic 10 minute presentation of Shana Solomon’s (and her troupe of dancers) interpretation of Akira Kurosawa’s epic film Ran (a riff on Shakespeare’s King Lear). There were barely any words spoken, more often than not, the words acted as conduits or a means of highlighting the action, which moved swiftly and deftly. On a bare stage, with minimal costuming, and only the bodies of six capable actor/dancers (which often times seemed to meld into one body), Solomon was able to convey the gravity and tension of this loaded story.

Being reminded of how powerful physical movement can be, and how integral it is to telling a story has reinvigorated me and shed a lot of light on the physically demanding play I’m currently working on. It was also wonderful to watch masters control an instrument most of us take for granted, our humble bodies.

–Sue

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