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Refugees
of the Septic Heart Tom Dale
Company DanceXchange,
Birmingham Hippodrome
TOM Dale has a background in electronic music which fueled his early
choreographic work; he formed the company, of which he is artistic
director, in 2001 to create innovative and creative dance and
movement-based pieces. This performance was the World premiere of a work that was commissioned by DanceXchange, although planning originally began some three years ago. Music is an atmospheric new
concept album by Shackleton and Vengence Tenfold and Refugees of the
Septic Heart is a contemporary dance piece that reflects a nation
perched on the brink of change.
The expressive performances of
Ariadna Girones Meta and the mischievous Hugh Stainer stood out, but the
movements of all the dancers in this small troupe of six (the other are
Michael Kelland, Maria Olga Palliani, John Ross, Joshua Smith) are at
once limpidly fluid and relaxed yet explosive and physically powerful. The dancers and production team collaborated with Tom Dale during pre-production to develop the characterisations for the work which deals with themes related to the lives we lead today. The mesmerizing rhythm is
reminiscent of heartbeat; the words of the work help to set the scene
and remind us of major global events like the assassination of John F
Kennedy, the tragedy of 9/11 and the demanding ‘always on' digital
lifestyles we lead.
Kate Unwin created the set
from blocks of different sizes and shapes. It provides a blank canvas
for a constantly moving and ever-changing light show designed by digital
media artist, Barret Hodgson. The atmospheric opening scene
of the production gave the impression of possibility - being within the
hugeness of the cosmos or the microcosm of molecular structure or
something else completely? At times, the dancers – with
their neutral costumes - almost disappear into the set, so the effect is
rather like camouflage! Projected to create the backdrop for the entire
performance, the combined impact of these visual graphics, the dancers
movement and the music is stunning. The evening began with an
enthusiastic performance by students from Birmingham Ormiston Academy
(BOA) - the regional academy for creative, digital and performing arts
– which was very well received by the audience. These students have
been working with the company this week so their dance set the scene
well for what was to come. Refugees of the Septic Heart
is supported by Curve, Leicester, Lakeside Arts Centre, Deda, Laban
Theatre and public funding by the National Lottery through Arts Council
England and begins a National Tour after leaving Birmingham. To
08-03-13; Laura Ginesi
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