Interlude

One of the final performances of this year’s Sydney Fringe, Interlude – the latest showing by Dancing Under the Influence, a small Sydney company established in 2010 – was performed with great pizzazz and panache, but didn’t really go anywhere or do anything.

Technically the dancing was excellent, with fine performances by the entire ensemble. The contemporary choreography included jazz, isolation movements, breakdancing, and also possibly hints of Martha Graham and Twyla Tharp, all performed very sleekly. There was no narrative; rather it was like an extended MTV clip. Was it meant to be a dreamlike interlude of pure dance?

Sometimes the group repeated phrases of movement robotically or briefly writhed in sculptural tableaux. One of the two men had a powerful , explosive solo with whirling jumps – terrific. One of the women performed a striking, sultry and sinuous feline-like solo; another dancer, Casey Lynn, had a sensational solo incorporating a purple chair, and absolutely sizzled. There was a Twister segment based on the perennial game favourite that included choreographic hints of Monet’s ‘Dejeuner Sur L’herbe’ and had the entire cast gymnastically gyrating.  

The work was performed with no set as such, against a backdrop of black drapes. Dancers wore elegant black costumes with slits in the side of the leg to allow for ease of movement.

The show opened with an interesting projection evoking an underwater mood; later came some marvellous use of lighting and shadows. The eclectic electro/techno/pop soundtrack hummed, beeped and throbbed, and included current dance favourites.    

While stylish and slick with great performances, Interlude was ultimately disappointing. It was sleek, repetitive and rather superficial, despite the screams and cheers from family members of the cast at the end.

Rating: 3 ½ stars out of 5

Sydney Fringe
2013.sydneyfringe.com
6-29 September