There's Great Potential at Resolution 2016

There isn’t much that will tempt me to leave my self-made cocoon during this cold and miserable weather. I’ve got it down to a T, with layers of duvets and extra pillows working together to keep me warm and snug. It was a bit of a shock to the system, therefore, when I was reminded that I was supposed to be attending Resolution 2016 at the Place. Leaving one’s cosy environment in icy conditions takes courage, will-power and energy. These are virtues I’m not graced with when bed and warmth is calling; however, I’m also not one to turn down something different. I am so happy, therefore, to tell you that I did manage to leave my flat for a few hours and found that last week’s programme had a lot to offer in terms of rising talent.

Subhash Viman Dance Company

The first part of the evening came from Subhash Viman- he’s bit of an Akram Khan rip off but with a body that can clearly move. Inspired by a poem by Confucius, Viman uses a bare stage lit by three light bulbs to tell his story. Whatever this story is and whatever the light bulbs represented was sort of lost on me, and I didn’t quite ‘get it’. I found Viman a compelling dancer though, and with an improvement in the actual choreography, he could go far as a contemporary dancer. He will have to get used to being compared to Akram Khan as his heavy breathing, choreography and dance style was slightly too similar. However, it’s not exactly a bad comparison. Khan is one of the leaders in contemporary dance at the moment so following in his shadow won’t mark the end of Viman by any means. It wouldn’t take much to improve this piece and with a clearer vision and some tighter choreography Subhash Viman Dance Company could have a positive future. As it currently stands though, I was reminded of my attempts to body pop when I hit the club and unfortunately that is not something to remember.

Wayward Thread

Beginning with an audio clip of pouring water, which I mistakenly took to be the emptying of one’s bladder, may not be the most engaging way to begin a 24 minute contemporary dance piece. It sort of fills every stereotype you could throw at contemporary dance and I sat there hoping this wouldn’t be like that time I was struggling to find the meaning of the crack in the floor at the Tate. As soon as some loud and heavy drumming was introduced, however, Finding Words really picked up. I really enjoyed watching a collective of men on stage – it felt strong, powerful and at times abrasive which I quite liked. I should also mention that there was one female dancer present at times on the stage who was equally as powerful. There were parts of this piece that didn’t really flow and I could have done without the dancers being pulled around on cloth across the stage; however, the bulk of Finding Words is very good and this comes down to the talent of the dancers. The break dancing influence was definitely the highlight and worked well with the music. I was impressed with the turns, balances, body strength and control of everyone as they tackled this difficult choreography. This isn’t quite there yet, but with a bit of editing, Wayward Thread is a group I would like to see again.

MAZPOD Rhythmic Stories

What a wonderful idea MAZPOD Rhythmic Stories is. Co-founded by Marianne Tuckman and Phoebe Ophelia Douthwaite, MAZPOD blends words with movement and performance art. Both girls have an interest in poetry and myth, and use this whilst reciting their favourite verses whilst moving to the beat of each syllable. It reminds me of being at school when you would clap and pat your knees to the rhythm of each syllable in your name. Ju-li-a. In fact there is something quite child-like and playful about Mad Meg, MAZPOD’s offering for Resolution 2016. It’s quite a bleak tale but told through thoughtful and cleverly done tricks. The morphing between Mad Meg and her husband was a highlight (although this could have been shortened) with both girls changing their body language to fit the different characters. It’s hard to explain but you’d get it if you saw it. And see it you should. This isn’t something I would normally see, in fact, I kind of dread performance theatre and usually find it pretty cringe worthy. But the talent is rife in MAZPOD. They also incorporate beautiful American folk music live on stage, making the whole thing more enchanting and endearing than cringe. Although both are clearly talented dancers (and singers), Mad Meg doesn’t belong at Resolution. Instead, with a bit of tightening and a punchier finish, this could go straight to Edinburgh festival. It is comedic performance art which would fit right in there.

It’s probably important to mention that tickets for last week’s programme were £15 which, for a 90 minute programme without much in sets, costume or music, is a bit steep. As far as I’m aware (don’t hate me if this is wrong), the performers are not paid; however, it felt good to support a unique creative space. Such is the Place and I hope you all make it down to see what else Resolution 2016 can offer.

*Photo Copyright of Dave Morgan