performance – The Cultural Exposé

What we’ve been up to… Cirque du Soleil’s Quidam

The Cultural Exposé — Fri, 10 Jan 2014 11:38:58 +0000

In its latest run at Royal Albert Hall, Cirque du Soleil’s Quidam has a narrative that is loosely formed around a lonely girl and the grey life she shares with her unhappy parents. This is quickly ripped apart by the arrival of Quidam, who guides the girl into an alternate world where clowns are guides and horned women are playmates.
Supported by live musicians, Quidam often seems stuck between genres—sometimes it is a circus, sometimes a crazy dance party, other times a weird and outlandish fashion show. While the premise can explain the nonsensical explosion of colour and sound, sometimes the chaos can be overwhelming. Performers lurk in the background, merely making strange expressions or twirling, seemingly unrelated to the main event.

If you can focus on the main performers, though, you will witness some of the human body’s most elegant and powerful movements. A mesmerising routine with a woman bound in a waterfall of red silk literally put the audience on the edge of their seats. Three women lithely twisted their bodies around, rotating and spinning rings in time to the music, while later a larger troupe performed acrobatic feats of tumbling and leaping that made us collectively gasp.
Perhaps the most moving moment of Quidam, though, was its simplest. In a long dance of form and expression, a man and a woman used only their bodies to continually bind and separate themselves . At times, you could be forgiven for thinking the two forms had fused into one. For a few lovely minutes, no elaborate costumes or blaring soundtrack competed for attention. It was simply a graceful expression owed to the remarkable power and ability of the two performers that kept everyone mesmerised…as long as you ignored the man twirling in the pink tutu just stage left. (Words: Barbara Cole)

Quidam is on until 16 February. For more info, visit: www.cirquedusoleil.com/en/shows/quidam/default

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Somewhere you should go… Homework season finale

The Cultural Exposé — Wed, 20 Nov 2013 11:00:51 +0000

Talented wordsmiths keen to polish their craft know all about Homework – the saloon in east London that promises a “night of literary miscellany” with impressive guest performers – Nick Hornby has rolled through – and the monthly challenge of a topical writing assignment (you don’t mind doing for once). Created by a clique of clever writers called Aisle16, Homework takes place six months in the year and so far, has touched on everything from true stories to transport – but it’s the season finale theme that’s peaked our interest. On November 27th, the night will be dedicated to the “art of the interview” and will explore everything we’ve come to know about chat shows. There will be a live interview, a special musical guest, a “palindromic play”, a few extras to make this not only a quality night out – for a fiver no less – but one event that’s guaranteed to give plenty of food for thought.

Homework takes place at the Bethnal Green Working Mens’ Club. For more info, visit: www.aisle16.co.uk/homework-ldn

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Something you should see… Soweto Kinch: The Legend of Mike Smith

The Cultural Exposé — Thu, 03 Oct 2013 10:00:11 +0000

Earlier this year, Soweto Kinch‘s prized saxaphone was stolen – and though the felony didn’t quite make Crimewatch, it was enough of a tragedy to see the jazz star’s countless fans show their solidarity by joining him in a massive social media campaign to get the sax back, which he did a month later. To that end, the news of Kinch‘s forthcoming show at The Albany this month is a sigh of relief – we’ll get to see the award-winning musician reunited with his trusty 1963 Selmer Mark Vi to perform a dynamic live version of his album The Legend of Mike Smith.

It tells the story of a young MC facing a world of temptations, and with choreography coming from hip-hop pioneer Jonzi D, it’s little wonder critics are calling it “mindblowing” in its clever take on The Seven Deadly Sins and Dante’s Inferno. It’s only got a short run though (wraps up October 5th), so don’t miss this chance to see this mighty man and his sax in action.

For more info, visit: www.thealbany.org.uk

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What we’ve been up to… Thriller Live at Lyric Theatre

The Cultural Exposé — Tue, 03 Sep 2013 10:50:43 +0000

If Michael Jackson was still alive, he would have recently celebrated his 55th birthday. It’s an age which would’ve easily been acceptable for retirement given his riches, achievements and line of work (although the late James Brown thought otherwise, still pulling out the odd shuffle and shimmy up until his 73rd birthday, bless him). Yet, despite Jackson’s ambitions with the 2009 This Is It tour passing away that same year, many would agree that his best years would always remain in an era where the brilliance of the music preceded the fancy footwork, as iconic as it would later become. It’s a point made in Thriller Live, a fun, feel-good two and a half show that celebrates the King of Pop’s music and legacy, with the help of rotating singers/hosts, dancers, a kid (playing lil’ Michael of course) and a pretty convincing impersonator in singer David Jordan. Though the rest of the leads are a bit hit and miss at times (with the exception of the sensational Miranda Wilford and Britt Quinton), the dancers never skip a beat, pulling off amazing displays to bring to life hits like ABC, Shake Your Body, Don’t Stop Til’ You Get Enough and Can You Feel It in Act 1.

In Act 2, the crowd are treated to a mix of songs from Bad, Dangerous and HIStory: Past, Present and Future, Book 1 – with Smooth Criminal and Billie Jean being the undeniable highlights of the section – but the Thriller performance makes its mark, with zombies running through the audience and that legendary dance executed to perfection. The show doesn’t end here, however, and there’s an extra performance of Bad and Black or White before a sensational reprise of Smooth Criminal and Thriller wrap up what’s not only been an amazing sing and dance-a-long, but the sort of heartfelt tribute that Michael Jackson himself would have been proud of – especially as it’s his music that does all the work. One for the weekend.

For more info, visit: www.thrillerlive.com

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Something you should see… In The Beginning was the End at Somerset House

Ed Spencer — Thu, 15 Nov 2012 11:00:01 +0000

Depending on what you’ve read or what translation you consult, come the eve of December 21st we may be reaching for our nearest and dearest and preparing ourselves for the afterlife. Yes, the longest day creeps ever closer and with it the end of the Mayan calendar (yet some people have the audacity to plan for 2013. Are they mad?). In any case, the more optimistic reading of this arcane calendar is that the date in question marks the end of an era, and rather than a total wipe-out, it may be a brave new world come the 22nd. This sticky subject is tackled by Dreamthinkspeak – – the much lauded site-responsive theatre company – who’ll be returning to Somerset House in the New Year for In the Beginning was the End, a special blend of film, installation and live performance that explores a world either on the verge of collapse – or the brink of rebirth. Let’s hope we’re still here to enjoy this cultural discussion.

If you’re not familiar with Dreamthinkspeak, they have been around since 1999 mesmerising audiences with their site specific performances. This ensemble of actors, technicians and assorted creatives meld different mediums to create an all immersive journey for the audience, making them winners of the Peter Brook Empty Space Equity Ensemble Award in 2010. With their new gargantuan production, inspired by Leonardo Da Vinci and The Book of Revelation and utilising some avant-garde stage production, Dreamthinkspeak promise a journey through underground passages, the undiscovered nooks and crannies of Somerset House and require you take your life into your hand.
The superlatives flowed last time for their 2004 production Don’t Look Back, described variously as ‘beautiful’, ‘intricate’, ‘terrifying’ and ‘involving’ – and anyone that enjoyed the sold-out You Me Bum Bum Train will love this. The action doesn’t unfold until January, but shows like these don’t go on sale early for nothing, so grab a ticket while (and if) you can. (Words: Ed Spencer)

In The Beginning Was The End runs from January 28 – March 30 2013.For more info, visit http://www.somersethouse.org.uk/performance/in-the-beginning-was-the-end

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Something you should see… Lyrikal Fearta: Redux at Sadler’s Wells

Jane Duru — Thu, 18 Oct 2012 10:00:16 +0000

If you thought hip-hop dance could only come in the form of a guilty pleasure (see the entire Step Up critically-dubious dance movie franchise) then think again. There’s skill in them there steps, and UK hip-hop dance legend Jonzi D is back with a Sadler’s Wells show to prove it.

After years touring with his dance company Breakin’ Convention, Jonzi D is striking out on his own, in his first solo show in over a decade. Programme A is a retrospective and will showcase some of his best-known works including Guilty, Aeroplane Man and Silence the Bitchin, the latter two having been shown on Channel 4 in 1997 and 2003 respectively. But there’ll be new material too, with Programme B debuting The Letter, a ‘choreopoetic’ response to Jonzi being offered an MBE in the New Year’s Honours list.

In addition to the main programmes, there’ll also be free post-show talks with Jonzi himself and renowned musician Soweto Kinch, and special guest performances from Kenrick ‘H2O’ Sandy and Michael ‘Mikey J’ Asante from Boy Blue Entertainment, amongst others. When it comes to dance performance you can move to – as well as move you – it doesn’t get much better than this. (Words: Jane Duru)

Lyrikal Fearta: Redux runs at Sadler’s Wells, Lilian Baylis studio, from Oct 18-20 and 25-27. For more info, visit www.sadlerswells.com/show/Jonzi-D-Lyrikal-Fearta-Redux

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Somewhere you should go… True Stories Told Live

The Cultural Exposé — Tue, 24 Jan 2012 11:00:06 +0000

True Stories Told Live is a simple concept; a group of strangers gather in a pub and share a true story from their life. So far, so normal. In fact, you might think this sounds like any other night out. But there’s a difference.

First of all, there is a strict 10 minute time limit to each story (wafflers need not apply!). Secondly, no notes are allowed, ensuring people are willing to share their most personal and sincere tales. And it can be on any topic, as long as it’s happened, and stories don’t have to be funny (but they often are!).

Past anecdotes have covered brain surgery, spending time in prison, irish dancing, earthquakes, relationships and strangers on trains. To round things up, there’s also one speaker at each night that performs their story by singing (as you do!).

This isn’t an open mic night (so you can relax in the audience and not rack your brains for a story!), although many of the speakers haven’t told their story in public before. Some of the more experienced storytellers have referred to themselves as Bards however! (yes Bards do still exist allegedly, although it did conjure up images of a man in pantaloons strumming a lute in my mind).

Rumour has it that everybody has at least one true story about their life to be told, so if listening to others’ stories isn’t enough for you, maybe the microphone at True Stories Told Live awaits to tell your tale…. (Words: Clare Ebberson)

True Stories Told Live is held monthly at The Compass in Islington. Further information visit: www.truestoriestoldlive.com

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Somewhere you should go… Flying Lotus at the Roundhouse

The Cultural Exposé — Sat, 01 Oct 2011 09:00:25 +0000

After months of partnering with the immensely notable visual label ANTIVJ, Flying Lotus makes his UK debut at London’s creative hub Roundhouse on October 22nd. From being an unfamiliar face within L.A.’s melting pot of music, Lotus (real name Steven Ellison) is now regarded as one of the world’s most innovative creator of fresh remixes, collaborations and one-off musical installations.

Although he’s worked with the diverse likes of Erykah Badu, Thom Yorke and Suicidal Tendencies – it’s quite difficult to know what to expect from his next show. With only three performances under his belt with ANTIVJ (the other two in Paris and Los Angeles) there’s been plenty of hype – but judging from the stunning visuals used in his recent music video for “MmmHmm” from Warp Films, his boundless imagination should guarantee we’re looking at a dazzling performance – an exhibition even – in Roundhouse’s main space. (Words: Syriah Bailey)

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Something you should see…La Fille à la Mode, National Theatre

Aoife Moriarty — Tue, 16 Aug 2011 09:00:39 +0000

The National Theatre’s ‘Watch This Space’ festival has been taking place in Theatre Square all this summer, featuring theatre, circus acts, music and street performance – all free of charge.

Monday 15 August to Sunday 21 August will see the arrival ‘Dance Week’ to the space, and among those on the bill are theatre company dANTE or dIE, whose previous work has involved offbeat locations such as ski lifts, a ship and a disused aircraft hanger.

Their performance of La Fille à la Mode – an exploration of the concept of the ‘It Girl’ through the decades – will see audiences taken through the corridors, staircases and car parks of the National Theatre. Women dance in a secret room to the sound of a harp, a young accordion player leads you around the twists and turns of the building and young girls dressed in 60s mod outfits shake their funky thing to the beat.

There is something magical about an ordinary space being turned into somewhere entirely different. We recommend you take yourself along for the ride – but be warned; tickets are limited so turn up early! (Words: Aoife Moriarty)

The performances of La Fille à la Mode will take place from August 17th to 20th. For more info, go to: www.nationaltheatre.org.uk/wts

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Somewhere you should go…Postcards Festival at Jacksons Lane

Rachel Segal Hamilton — Wed, 15 Jun 2011 11:04:59 +0000

With performance art and cabaret fast becoming a staple of London nightlife, it’s only right that there should be an annual showcase of emerging and established artists from the scene. Cue Postcards Festival, which is being held for the first time at Jacksons Lane Theatre. Expect acrobatic dancing, avant-garde clowning and accordion playing galore. Aerial duo ‘Collectif and then…’ will have you mesmerised with a death defying performance – which includes dangling from their hair (!) And watch out for hula hooping sensation Marawa the Amazing: pouting and fabulous in blue glittery heels, she strikes a winning balance between humour and sass. The launch night proceedings were a tad rough around the edges, but with the creases ironed out, Postcards Festival should be lots of fun – hopefully for many years to come. (Words: Rachel Segal Hamilton)

Postcards Festival runs until 20th July 2011 at Jacksons Lane Theatre. Visit jacksonslane.org.uk

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