dance/physical theatre review

Steve Reich Evening

Edinburgh International Festival

Art is such a personal experience, and never is this more evident than when a third of the audience walks out halfway through. Choreographer Anne Teresa de Keersmaeker takes minimalism to new levels, working with the music of Steve Reich to create something both distancing and mesmerising in the same moment. The dancers move as though on currents of air, drawing us in and yet confusing us. It was this ambivalence - as well as a five minute piece that involved watching 100 metronomes tick - that for many was the final straw. Had they stayed, they might have appreciated the extraordinary innovation of this collaboration and joined the remaining audience members in a standing ovation that lasted well into the encore.

Festival Theatre Edinburgh, 15 - 17 Aug, 7.30pm (9.35pm), prices vary, fpp 20

tw rating: 4/5

published: Aug-2008

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