One-Way to Love

One-Way to Love Hook Dance Theatre McAulay Studio, HK Arts Centre Reviewed: Apr 2

Two years ago dancer/choreographer Frankie Ho Ching-yu brought together performers from different fields, including contemporary dancer Yang Yuntao and Alan Yeung Wai-lun of indie band Juicyning, in a production that combined dance and musical theatre. It was a good attempt but lacked focus and depth.

Last week, the trio returned with a new show that is more ideologically sound and mature. One-Way to Love explores the psychology of fantasy and the way people become so obsessed with their desires they begin to lose touch with reality.

The dance drama was jointly directed by Ho (right), who is the founder of Hook Dance Theatre, and Yeung. Along with Yang and five other dancers - Chen Rong, Max Lee, Juliet Cheung, Chan Nga-shan and Eric Huynh - they gave a 90-minute performance that was fun, engaging and thought-provoking.

Ho and Yeung play two quirky characters looking for love. But during the course of their search, they realise Hong Kong is too busy a place for romance. People in the city are constantly being driven by their materialistic desires and they have no room for love. Most simply end up tired, frustrated and unfulfilled. As the result, they are disillusioned and both seek comfort in their fantasies.

Instead of using a linear narrative, Ho and Yeung told their story through a series of fragmented vignettes packed with witty dialogue and dance. Ho choreographed movements not only to music but also to the rhythm of the spoken word and beats, such as the sound of a bouncing basketball.