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  Art Murmurs - Wellington Reviews

Reviews

Lost Property

4/3/2019

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Lizzie Murray

Picture
Lost Property is the premier performance from the Wellington dance trio Table Torque. Despite an awkward beginning, Laura Beanland-Stephens, Gabriella Mersi and Anna Perrudin maintain high energy throughout. Lost Property showcases contemporary dance and vibrant lighting, designed by Darryn Woods, as well as an array of turbulent emotions. In particular, Lost Property’s choreography conveys the explosive feelings of connectedness and loss. ​
In BATS’ Random Stage theatre, the show begins in blackout and a figure is heard walking across the stage. Two more join them  before retreating off stage in the dark. The figures continue to explore the space, pick up the tempo and create an eerie soundscape of feet, leather and breath. This is where lost things go, I think to myself. However, this dark introduction felt needlessly drawn out. The figures continue to dance without letting us see them entirely. An amber floor light finally offers relief from the dark. A dancer’s toes wave to us in the micro spotlight. I would have liked to see the creators explore this idea more, highlighting and isolating different parts of the body.

Still without music, the three perform an athletic, game-like dance - like an elaborate version of “cut the cake” from netball practice. I didn’t understand the rules but I wanted to join in. The team skillfully practice momentum and every move is precise.

In particular about half way through, the troup cemented the idea of connectedness. Accompanied by chill beats and hot pink lighting, the trio form a three-way promise. They dance in synch through intimate, layered geometric positions, moving like a machine. Their bond is also found when the dancers disperse, their movements echo in the dark spaces between them.

Beanland-Stephens performs my favourite dance of the night. The lights paint her red and music turns to rock. I feel like I’m seeing a sneak peak of Lorde’s new music video. She chases the spotlight with agility and a thirst for drama.

After Perrudin delivers a French monologue, her coat is draped over a chair facing the audience. Throughout these dances, the performers lose more items of clothing and slowly build a fourth frumpy member. Their fabricated friend offered the potential to explore stronger narrative arcs. I wanted to see a deeper interaction with these lost objects.

I am intrigued to see what this very connected group of women come up with next.

If you enjoy experimental dance, speak French and are not afraid of the dark, watch this space. Lost Property is sold out for its last night.

​
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