LOST Theatre, London
****
Following a highly acclaimed international run,
Compagnie Arcosm return to London’s LOST Theatre for another crack at their
multi-disciplined triumph ‘Echoa’. A previous success at Sadler’s Wells,
this fascinating show is beginning to prove that dancing is something we now
need our ears for.
Commencing a 2 week residence at LOST, Echoa is somewhat of a hidden gem, grasping the attention of children and adults alike. Regardless of your familiarity with dance, Echoa challenges any preconceptions; offering an insight into how percussionists, dancers, and entertainers can work in unison to ignite something spectacular. Dance and percussion work effortlessly in tandem throughout, offering stunning visual displays punctuated by bubbling audio highlights that resonate even after leaving the auditorium. The rich, sonorous accompaniment elevates the piece into a form of theatre you feel proud to be in the presence of.
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| Photo: Anph Nguyen |
Although family orientated, the show is not solely
aimed at children, it begins in an almost sinister fashion, with low percussion
chimes accompanying a montage sequence in which the performers scratch and hit
back at their confined surroundings. This experimental playfulness expands as
the show continues and the performers become increasingly likeable with every
motion. The performers can’t be defined simplistically as ‘dancer’, ‘drummer’,
‘comedian’ or ‘percussionist’ but rather as true all-round natural
entertainers. Their movements are excitable, crafted like a child at play. They
are mesmerised by each other and, when not climbing the walls like insects, are
motionless and attentive to the actions of their fellows. They seem curious
about their bodies and often grin at the audience when they discover something
new; an intriguing sound or movement previously unseen. They realise the
potential of the body as a functioning whole, yet highlight the imaginative details
of each limb, each finger, and each toe. There’s a charm to the performers as
they crane their necks to check if you’re catching everything, though we would
need to watch the show in slow motion to fully appreciate the craft behind
these superb physical executions.
While certainly living up to the hype, Echoa
offers something different and it’s best not to expect too much of any one
artistic form during the show. When you’re lulled into a comfortable knowledge
of what is happening, you’ll notice something surprising and suddenly the
action changes and the piece transforms. Compagnie Arcosm has balanced the show
perfectly, seamlessly shifting between ‘acts’. You’ll be watching a dance
‘routine’ and all of a sudden they’re laughing and propelling each other’s
hands into drums. Each section looks to be happening by as if by accident,
following smoothly on from the previous. A startlingly raw, competitive drum
sequence can transform into a beautiful contemporary dance in a matter of
seconds. The performers leap with effortless grace - each step is deliberate,
down to the decision whether or not to make an echo when they land. They bounce
off each other, colliding happily in their dizzy states as if inside a can of
shaken lemonade.
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| Photo: Cie Arcosm |
So
if you’re looking for an intensely engaging experience that offers you
something new this season, then Echoa comes highly recommended. This is something
that echoes with any age, in any country. You will feel a spring in your step
as you leave the theatre and your ears will be acutely tuned for word of
Compagnie Arcosm’s next production.
This production runs until 16 December 2012
For more information: http://www.losttheatre.co.uk/index.php/11-current-shows/52-coming-soon
@LOSTtheatre
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