ArtSpoken & Reviews
Spanish 'Sentimientos' explores human emotionFiona Gordon11/04/2009 08:56:14 
Fiona Gordon: La Rosa Spanish Dance Theatre presents Sentimientos, exploring the rhythms and sentiment associated with aspects of the spectrum of human emotion. First the sound of music, then of feet beating the boards, and then spontaneous applause as the curtain lifted to reveal a most beautiful setting. Partially veiled by a semi-see-through curtain, the stage was fairly dark, showing an elevated set of musician silhouettes along the back of the stage space, against a backdrop of twinkling lights. The first depiction of the states of human emotion is a very well-portrayed Furia (fury). With displays of fiery passion in feisty solos and duets, and in the group work, the red and black costumes serve to further emphasise what was clearly expressed in their faces and movement. The rhythms, moods and featured dancers change regularly, and even the choreographers vary, allowing for a varied programme which features a number of clever explorations on the theme in a consistently considered ‘whole'. A man struggles solo - Atrapado (trapped), in contrast with another, whose Paz Interior (inner piece) is embodied in the playing of his cello, downstage centre. Throughout, there is lovely interplay between the sounds and rhythms created by the feet and the hands. Footwork is focussed and strong, and the dancers work well together throughout, expressing their sentiments clearly. The combination of western classical instruments with the flamenco guitar, cajon and castanets adds depth and accessibility to the music, with the voice of contaora Lorean Swartz an essential element throughout. The costumes, although beautiful and cleverly constructed, didn't always sit so well on the dancers, which could be distracting at times. The black stage is edged in a double line of red, bringing a further marriage between the design of costume and space. Two vertical lines of chairs flanking the stage space allow for an on-stage ‘audience' of performers who provide rhythms through their ‘palmas', and a tangible link to the street environment in which Spanish dancing is traditionally performed. At one point this on-stage audience takes on a different guise as they tease and torment one of their own, and then leave her to face the men in Miedo (fear). The show ended on a high note with Allegria (Joy), featuring once again the expertise of director Carolina Rosa, in performance. La Rosa Spanish Dance Theatre presented Sentimientos, directed by Carolyn Holden with costumes by Dicky Longhurst. It played at the Artscape Theatre from 28 October to 1 November 2009, with tickets costing from R95 to R125. Fiona Gordon fiona@artslink.co.za |
  |
Previous
Most Read
