Theatreworks, Melbourne, January 25
The synopsis of Unanswered! makes it sound very serious, but in reality the work is quite lighthearted in feel, with plenty of delightfully whimsical and clever choreography that makes you smile at its goodnaturedness.
This is Paul Malek’s eighth main production for Collaboration, and his experience shows. Unanswered!, for an ensemble of eight dancers, is tightly crafted, with carefully considered lighting, and moves deftly between scenes and moods with never a dull moment.
The vocabulary skilfully blends contemporary technique with acrobatics, sometimes in quite spectacular partner work. After the first group dance, the mood turns cheerful when a bumptious duo bounces on stage – introducing the quirkily shaken heads and crooked arm positions which give the work much of its charm. The pair strikes a playful mood that reasserts itself many times during the work – a kind of earthy cheer that reminded me of peasant dances. But the more serious moods are also dealt with effectively, such as same-sex love duos and an intense solo for a solitary male. The dancers give it their all, tossing themselves fearlessly into the demanding choreography.
The musical source is not attributed in the program notes, but incorporates (what sounded like) English or Irish folk tunes which are appropriately melodic and dancy.
The costumes are all black and punkish, with both men and women in skirts. It would be interesting to see more colourful costumes that reflect the choreography’s quirky character.
I’m not sure if Unanswered! succeeds in portraying its more serious aims, but it is a satisfying and entertaining piece. My only complaint is that, at about 40 minutes, it’s too short. Still - better that than the opposite!
- KAREN VAN ULZEN