[Sydney] Sydney Dance Company Review – Rafael Bonachela’s We Unfold
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April 5, 2009 – 11:18 pm
The theatre is full and buzzing. After an endearing introduction by Rafael Bonachela, a hush falls over the packed house as the lights dim… When the curtain rises the silhouetted bodies of the dancers are breathtaking; as they begin to move their bodies resemble marble statues of the Greek gods coming to life.
But this company isn’t the usual cookie cutter dance company where each dancer’s body is interchangeable with another. No, the magic here lies in the array of bodies presented, each with their own unique and dignified beauty. Of course, they are all lean, muscular and strong, but the differences in height, shape and even hairstyle create a vision of humanity – not cloned automatons.
The minimalist costuming lets the dancers’ bodies tell the story; the embellishment of diamantes on arms or calves highlights the line of the dancers rather than distracting. As the acts progress layers of sheer muted fabric build and then fall away to show the progression and accession of the dancers.
Video animation is used in the production to frame each act providing, in this largely abstract work, a sense of passing time, place and scale. The piece explores themes of heaven and man’s earthly experience with images of air, earth, fire and water.
Some of the best moments are the smallest: a grasp, a hand over a mouth, one finger into another’s waistband. The movement itself is beautifully crafted; the twisting lines create a tormented anguished beauty as the dancers literally fold and unfold, into and away from each other.
This is a work that demonstrates that this is truly a company of this city, for this time.
Click on one of the following for more information or online ticketing.
When: March 31 – April 11 2009
Damage: $20 – $70
Where: Sydney Theatre
