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The
arrival of Union Dance’s latest piece Permanent Revolution
V2R has certainly created a great deal of interest among the
experts and academics. Media artists such as Thomas Grey and Derek
Richards have combined with international choreographers Doug Elkins,
Vincent Mantsoe and Bawren Tavaziva in the newest offering.
The
blurb sells it as “a world of live dance, performance, sound,
computer graphics and video which blurs the edges between the real
and the virtual.” You can take it from that - music plus film
and computer-generated special effects, just to keep you on your
toes.
The
challenge for this production is to match the vigour and downright
skill of Mekwae and other high-flying attractions seen across the
north west this year. Union Dance has certainly established
a reputation as an individual company with a singular style and
personality.
Undoubtedly,
they have brought together a mix of influences in forming the group.
And it’s certainly proved different – when you look at
the various backgrounds of the key movers and shakers, it’s
not surprising the result is a bit of a wake-up call.
You
could say Permanent Revolution V2R goes into unknown territory.
With Mantsoe from South Africa, Tavaziva from Zimbabwe and Elkins
from New York, Permanent Revolution’s choreographers have distinct
and separate cultural experiences.
Union
Dance has prided itself on a philosophy ‘to create innovative
work’ – that means, in a nutshell, they go for stuff we’re
not used to. Just look at the last four productions: Dance Tek Warriors,
LifeForms, Dance in House and Imagining the Invisible – combinations
of all sorts in there, including the most modern street dancing
moves along with the odd martial arts manoeuvre.
If
you haven’t seen these athletes-cum-artists in action, you’ve
been missing a treat. They can certainly dance, these geezers, and
– with due respect to the boy Travolta and the ‘Grease’
gang – maybe they give the dance scene a much-needed shake.
They
certainly find different ways of combining dance and music –
with enormous energy and excitement. If you want a fresh approach
to live dance, Permanent Revolution V2R is the one for you.
One thing’s for sure – you won’t forget it in a hurry.
Thursday
May 20th
Box
Office: 01244 340392
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