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Natasha Rogai

Nederlands Dans Theatre I
Cultural Centre Grand Theatre
Reviewed: Oct 25
In this New Vision Arts Festival    triple bill, the Nederlands Dans Theatre I  gave a  sampler of   its repertoire and artistic style, the quality of which, despite some exceptional dancing, proved  uneven.
The programme opened strongly with Shoot the Moon  by resident choreographers Paul Lightfoot  and Sol  Leon.  The piece drew  on the  language of silent films, as five characters moved  through different rooms (cleverly presented by a revolving set) alone or in changing relationships to each other.
Atmospheric and original, the piece worked well as both theatre and dance, with effective use of video as the dancers were seen through a window from one angle on stage, while being projected on a big screen above from another angle. The choreography was fluid and inventive, with lifts of striking originality and difficulty in the opening duet. The dancing was superb, especially from Stefan Zeromski   and Shirley Esseboom.
Wayne McGregor  has a reputation as one of Europe's most creative choreographers and the idea of his Renature  was to break down, or 'denature', normal dance language. Curiously, the piece was  the least inventive of the evening. Although the denatured movements were difficult and at times grotesque, they did not break new ground.  The  'renaturing' where a new language would develop, failed to materialise.
There were moments  that suggested a much better piece would have emerged had McGregor responded more freely to Karen Tanaka's  excellent music rather than chaining himself to a concept.
Tar and Feathers, by NDT's signature choreographer  Jiri Kylian,  made an  inventive start with  stunning   double-work (women lifting men, or one man lifting  two women) and a brilliant use of  hand movements.
However, monotony crept in.  The abrupt introduction of some heavy-handed humour  detracted from an outstanding, impassioned solo by Lydia Bustinduy.   Kudos to  pianist Tomoko Mukaiyama  for playing perched on a piano stool metres above the stage.



Nederlands Dans Theatre I