dance/physical theatre feature
13 To See : Dance & Physical Theatre
2008 Festival Preview
The dance and physical theatre section of the Fringe programme can be mildly confusing, not least because the dance and the physical theatre are all mixed up and you can't tell which genre each show falls into unless the company involved makes this absolutely clear in their fifty word blurb. Fortunately, it's often the case that aficionados of one genre will feel quite at home with the other. Unfortunately, sometimes it's not. Luckily, we here at ThreeWeeks have people on board that like all of it, so we'll be publishing reviews of as many of those shows as possible, and will probably give you an indication as to what it is. Of course, it's not all about the Fringe. This sort of stuff happens at the International Festival too, a fact reflected in our choices here, so without further ado, ThreeWeeks' pick of the dance and physical theatre offerings available to view in Edinburgh this month.
The Cholmondeleys And The Featherstonehaughs Present 'Dancing On Your Grave' Featuring Corpse De Ballet.
This sounds fun, the story of five down-on-their-luck music hall artistes determined to change their fortune. Starring two of the UK's foremost contemporary dance companies - the all female Cholmondleys and the all male Featherstonehaughs - it's directed by Lea Anderson, one of Britain's most diverse contemporary choreographers.
Assembly @ George Street, from 1 Aug, 3.00pm, fpp113
Caesar Twins
Fringe favourites The Caesar Twins return to the Festival with their visually spectacular combination of acrobatic and physical theatre. I once fell asleep whilst watching them, but I think that might have been because I hadn't slept for about four days at the time.
Udderbelly's Pasture, from 31 Jul, 5.50pm, fpp 112
State Of Matter
Despite their irritatingly different cased name, 2FaCeD DaNcE Company (took me ages to type, that) are pretty incredible. Their athletic, highly physical blend of contemporary and breakdance will certainly relieve you of any notion you may have that male dancers are anything but masculine. Expect pure lines, and awe-inspiring choreography.
Udderbelly's Pasture, from 31 Jul, 4.00pm, fpp 121
The Judgement of Paris
This sounds like it's shaping up to be a brilliant and dynamic contemporary dance theatre interpretation of one of the greatest love stories of all time, when the Greek goddess Aphrodite offered Paris the heart of Helen of Troy...
Rocket @ Demarco Roxy Art House, from 31 Jul, 8.15pm, fpp 117
Flamenco Flamenco!
Always a big hit at the Festival, this is flamboyant, high energy, contemporary Flamenco. And they're doing a lunchtime show too.
Pleasance Dome and the Bongo Club, from 30 Jul, fpp 115
Matthew Bourne's Dorian Gray
This is a must see, if you can manage it, and very possibly the dance highlight of the entire Festival. Choreographer Bourne is known for bringing movement to the masses, and this interpretation of Oscar Wilde's dark fairy tale should prove as popular as ever.
King's Theatre, from 22 Aug, times vary, eifpp 23
Three Short Stories - No Plot
The standard of British ballet and dance in general is a continual issue of contention and debate. This production, a showcase of new talent featuring younger dancers, will no doubt challenge the cynics.
Zoo Southside, from 10 Aug, 10.00am, fpp 122
Blank Album
This is a pastiche, and we here at ThreeWeeks like pastiche. Described as a "rock n roll musical dance comedy", this production features the talents of contemporary dancer Natasha Gilmore and Quee MacArthur of Scottish contemporary folk band Shooglenifty - sounds like a dream combination.
Assembly @ George Street, fpp 112
Dance Base Presents... Irish Cream
Not 'Riverdance', don't worry. More fluid than Flatley, this showcase presents a triple bill featuring the best of Irish contemporary dance.
Dance Base, from 6 Aug, times vary, fpp 114
Children Of The Khmer
To be honest, we were simply seduced by the fifty word Fringe Programme entry of this show from Cambodia Living Arts. Described by the blurb as the "must-see sensation of WOMAD 2008", described by one Peter Gabriel as "a miraculous vision".
The World @ St George's West, from 1 Jul, 4.00pm, fpp 113
Pericles Redux
A new show from a 2007 Fringe First award winner, this is a physical theatre take on the Shakespeare classic - basically, the bard as told by seven gymnasts. It sounds very cool. Especially as the company, Not Man Apart - Physical Theatre Ensemble claim to be "pushing the boundaries between theatre and dance". Pushing boundaries is the coolest.
Pleasance Courtyard, from 31 Jul, 3.00pm, fpp119
Bale de Rua
This is an example of street ballet, an amazingly versatile genre with a broad appeal. This "Brazilian dance and percussion spectacular" comes direct from a successful run in Paris and features a blend of capoiera, hip hop and original music, which does indeed, as the blurb suggest, sound exhilarating.
Assembly @ Assembly Hall, from 31 Aug, 6.50pm, fpp 112
<b>Deca Dance 2008</b>
Israel's Batsheva Dance Company showcase the diverse range of Ohad Naharin's works in this International Festival show featuring ten extracts from the choreographer's most celebrated works.
The Edinburgh Playhouse, from 28 Aug, 8.00pm, eifpp 25
published: Aug-2008
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