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Fringe 2008 Reviews (90)
The Family
Lunatic Company
InvASIAN Festival
clubWEST@Quintencenary Hall, Royal College of Surgeons
****(*)
The plot of The Family is a hook on which to hang some amazingly
high-octane physical feats. Two families are the finalists in the National
Best Family Competition, one of which consists of Taekwon experts, the
other hip-hop, street dancing aficionados. While competing with each
other, Grandpa B-Boy and Grandma Taekwon fall for each other and the
two families are finally united through their geriatric marriage.
On the road to the altar, both families demonstrate remarkable physical
skills to pulsating music and a lot of fun and comedy thrown in too.
It's mind-blowing! The performers attack their stunts with relish. The
entire show is a huge celebration of human physical potential.
I was rooting for the Taekwon family, two young women and two young
men, all of whom did remarkable twist kicks in the air, shattering squares
of wood in the processes. The B-Boyz are remarkably athletic and perform
fabulous acrobatics, and in terms of prowess and technique the two teams
were equal, but why do hip-hop girls never do the acrobatics too? The
young woman hip-hop dancer was fabulous, but there seems to be a gender
divide in hip-hop that puts females in the traditional and sexy roles.
This is a wonderfully invigorating show which showcases the dynamism
of young Korean performers.
Jackie Fletcher
The Hound of the Baskervilles
Illyria
C too
***
While the famous detective Sherlock Holmes is relaxing at home in his
lime green trimmed dressing gown, he and Dr Watson are called upon by
visitors in need of help. Sir Henry has received a warning letter cut
from newspaper print, telling him not to take up residence in his newly
inherited country estate. From just looking at the print and the type
of paper Holmes deduces that this letter was cut from the Times newspaper
and written in a hotel. This is just 'another mystery in a line of inexplicable
events' for the irrepressible Holmes and his diligent side-kick Watson.
So begins Illyria's tale of The Hound of the Baskervilles, as
Watson narrates the action and three other actors of the company swap
from one character to the next around him in comedy moustaches, fluorescent
hats and mimed revolving doors. This is a fun and energetic production
- and, in sweltering heat and heavily upholstered costumes, we could
only sympathise with the actors! The performance retains a sense of
great playfulness throughout, whilst also achieving a suitably spooky
atmosphere as the two intrepid detectives are out on the moors and finally
face the notorious hound. However, at nearly two hours long, this is
a production designed for touring and would have had more impact at
the Fringe had it been shorter. An enjoyable production for children
and families but adults will be looking for something a little more
sophisticated.
Cecily Boys
Daredevas
Akademi South Asian Dance UK
InvASIAN Festival
clubWest@Quincentenary Hall, Royal College of Surgeons
*****
This show is a real treat to start off your festival day. The dancers
are elegant and graceful, spiritual and earthy. The dances and songs
come from various regions of the Indian sub-continent, a testament to
the rich variety of styles and forms. The dancers blend traditional
styles with contemporary interpretations.
And there is more interculturality from Finnish-born dancer Hanna Mannila,
who has trained extensively in Kathak as well as ballet and jazz dance.
Likewise, Archana Ballal is able to explore new vocabularies of movement
combining experience in Bharatanatyam with contemporary techniques.
The purity of Indian Classical dance is maintained by Archita Kumar
and Shrikant Subramaniam, dancing ancient forms describing the deities
or the seasons.
Their technique is as perfect and their expressivity delightful. The
costumes are gorgeous and the music invigorating. The dancers perform
with warm smiles and inviting charm. South Asian dance is a celebration
and is joyful.
This is an excellent opportunity to see more of the wealth of talent
among British-Asian communities and be transported by the beauty of
the dance.
Jackie Fletcher
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