Rambert

Few companies of any kind can match Rambert’s ability to thrill and delight and this trio of works was no exception. The darkness of Patricia Okenwa’s Hydrargyrum with it’s mirroring motifs and gradual progression from sinister and disturbing to gentle, naked awakening was a wonderful start to the evening and showed how well Rambert combine exquisite ensemble work with masterful solos.

The Three Dancers was equally enthralling as two teams of three, one in black and one in white explored each other and the space that they inhabited. An exploration of Picasso’s painting of the same name and cubism could easily have manifested itself in a series of jerky and angular movements but there was a lyrical quality to Didy Veldman’s piece that defied that easy option. I was however not impressed with the three mirrored shards that descended somewhat shakily to the stage and added little to the whole. Elena Kats-Chernin’s score had elements of Parisian café and cabaret life with fluttering accordions and swelling swings of mood and tempo akin to a danse apache.

The highlight of the evening though was Transfigured Night and here Rambert showed that they can combine classicism with modern to exquisite effect. And the music by Arnold Schoenberg allowed us again to see how brilliant the orchestra touring with the company is, and that commitment to live music should be applauded, really beautiful and accomplished playing. This work was heartbreakingly beautiful, an emotional experience that one seldom feels to this extent, and in part this must be down to the fact that Rambert dancers are incredibly good actors, conveying their story with both movement and facial expression in a way that few dance companies do. Once again the ensemble work was faultless but it would be wrong not to highlight the stunning performances of the soloists Simone Damberg Würtz, Miguel Altunaga, Liam Francis and Lucy Balfour, all of whom brought a tear to my eye in what must be one of the most beautiful dance performances that I have ever been privileged to see.

Theatre Royal Brighton, 16 March 2016

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