Raw Dance: Untapped -
Brisbane Festival -
Gardens Theatre, 28 September -
Raw Dance (Artistic Director Andrew Fee), in their first Brisbane Festival engagement since 2010, again served up a percussive romp in Untapped, where tap, drumming and beat-box competed and connected in a seemingly loose but carefully scripted work of pure entertainment. Unfortunately, there was not a program to be had anywhere in the theatre, so I am unable, in most cases, to give individual credits.
With a concept based around five blokes hanging out together and having a blast, there is no plot; instead focus is drawn to the characters of the individual dancers themselves through joking and light-hearted banter.
Accompanied on stage by a live three-piece band (the base guitar hugely amplified), they got off to a heart thumping start, feet dazzling with their complexity of rhythm and clarity of beat, while rock concert styled lighting added further pizazz.
The work has a good overall shape, although perhaps at well over an hour long one of the earlier tap routines could be cut. Rhythm and percussion in a myriad of guises are skilfully explored along the way, including a very cool, loose jazz routine where bass guitar is swapped for double bass.
Tapping in thongs, and my favourite from 2010, a flipper routine, also explores the ‘rhythm of life’, packed with simple but very effective sight and sound gags.
The inimitable beat boxer Jonny Grant, (aka Dr Rhythm) brought up the rear of the show with humorous commentary and wonderful interaction with the youngest members of the audience, of which there were many. They were all transported!
– Denise Richardson
