There’s really so much that can be expressed without uttering a single word. Indeed, a full gamut of emotions are easily conveyed through a simple wave of the arm or nod of the head.
A masterpiece of movement, Common Fate is a SummerWorks production that examines the relationship between harmony and dissonance through interpretative dance.
One by one, the four performers (Amelia Ehrhardt, Emily Law, Julia Male and Chelsea Omel) each gives a solo performance set to their own individual musical score that lasts a mere three minutes. Each individual performance showcases a wide range of both dance and musical styles, ranging from an eerie melancholy ballad to a primal jungle beat.
As the show progresses, the performers are paired and then tripled together, with their choreographies and musical scores overlapping in various combinations.
And while each dancer performs the exact same choreography every time, the relation between her or her stagemates varies with each substitution. Think of it like a musical score. Depending on which part you add or subtract, the entire number will undoubtedly sound different.
By the end of the performance, I was able to memorize the choreography of each performer, but I was never bored. Indeed, it was the subtle nuances between sets that kept me captivated throughout the entire performance.
Exceptionally performed, this piece wonderfully proved its premise – that even the most seemingly dissimilar things can work together to create something harmoniously beautiful.
If you’re a fan of abstract dance pieces, Common Fate is one SummerWorks production you won’t want to miss.
Details:
- Common Fate played at The Theatre Centre’s BMO Incubator Space (1115 Queen Street West) on Tuesday, August 12th. Additional show times for this production are on Saturday, August 16 at 6:00 p.m. and Sunday, August 17 at 5:00 p.m.
- SummerWorks performance tickets are $15 at the door (cash only), and are also available online at http://summerworks.ca, by phone by calling the Lower Ossington Box Office at 416-915-6747, or in person at the SummerWorks Info Booth (located at 100A Ossington Avenue, first floor) from August 5th to the 17th, from 10 AM until 7 PM. (Advance tickets are $15 + applicable service fee.)
- Several money-saving passes are available if you plan to see at least 3 shows
Photo courtesy of Clutch PR