Man & Woman
Ricochet Dance Productions turn to Fin Walker for their first commissioned hour-long work. On a dark square with a white border is half a dome, which divides into three parts that are moved about and upon by the performers.
Designed by John Napier, well known for his West End shows such as Cats, it gives the four performers different levels and a shifting surface to deal with. This is imaginatively used in the choreography.
Four people inhabit the area, where there is tension as the ground splits and opens up, unearthing emotions and leaving some buried. There are solos, duets and a trio throughout. The performers all work hard, with exciting, twisting movements and partnering.
With interactions, strong physicality and abstract shaping, the groupings are tightly woven but not necessarily all connected. This fragmentation means the piece lacks some of the cohesion of other works performed by the company.
The score by Ben Park is at times jazz-like and percussive, with excellent lighting by Chahine Yavroyan.
