Gravity underpins how we manoeuvre and our relationship with the space around us, gravitational acceleration a term used to define the speed at which an object moves when only gravity acts upon it. The earth’s gravitational acceleration – 9.8 metres per second squared. A foundation of humanity that will forever intrigue, GöteborgsOperans Danskompani choreographer Damien Jalet presents Skid the first in a duo of works that explores the notion of gravity further. Also taking to the stage is show SAABA – how we occupy earth too is a fascinating thing, how we navigate rituals alone, as well as within communities, routines that connect us all. Sharon Eyal choreographs a work in collaboration with Dior’s Creative Director Maria Grazia Chiuri that celebrates our human form.
Skid – choreographed by Damien Jalet.
Positioned at a 34 degree tilt, Skid’s arresting large white squared panelled flooring instantly garners full attention. Dancers Benjamin Behrends, Tsung-Hsien Chen, Zachary Enquist, Sabine Groenendjik, Mai Lisa Guinoo, Hiroki Ichinose, Valērija Kuzmiča, Rachel McNamee, Waldean Nelson, Einar Nikkerud, Riley O’Flynn, Duncan C Schultz, Endre Schumicky, Lee-Yuan Tu, Christoph von Riedemann, Arika Yamada and Joseba Yerro Izaguirre pushing the boundaries and really shattering perceptions of what can be achieved on stage. The continual emergence of the dancers from the panel’s peak mesmeric, them all cascading down like water droplets trickling down a window panel, stunning. Positioning of the lights sculpting fascinating shadows that occupy the white blank canvas. Jalet choreographing a calming, steady, hypnotic piece that plays around with dimension and perspective.
SAABA concerns itself with the beauty of humanity, angular postures intertwined with balletic, commercial and voguing features combining to craft a show fuelled with elegance. Chiuri’s fitted, sophisticated, soft paletted costume design a pivotal strand of the evening, the show steeped in a Grecian god painting glaze that borders on being otherworldly. Angelic-like motifs flickering throughout and adding a sense of spirituality, Eyal choreographing a ritualistic 45 minutes – at one point, the music so loud that it causing the body to ripple along with it. Dancers Benjamin Behrends, Mei Chen, Miguel Duarte, Hiroki Ichinose, Janine Koertge, Rachel McNamee, Riley O’Flynn, Christoph von Reidemann, Duncan C Schultz, Endre Schumicky, Frida Dam Seidel, Joseba Yerro Izaguirre and Amanda Åkesson all entertainingly forging the reality we temporarily inhabit, statuesque – they illuminate the stage with an energy and presence! Two powerful pieces of dance theatre that venture beyond tradition in their own unique ways to really inspire the imagination.
Written by Lucy Basaba.
Skid/SAABA is currently showing until Saturday 13th May 2023. To find out more about the production, visit here…
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