When canvas learns to dance.

Yesterday saw the first ever London outing of Jefta Van Dinther's Plateau Effect. A choreographer better acquainted with more intimate settings, it was to be the grand platform of Sadler's Wells where he was destine to thrill an unsuspecting audience with tales of collapsing tents and the moments during and after reaching a metaphysical peak.

He was not to disappoint, as the show opened with what could have been a sail or in fact a curtain, swaying in the wind. Nine bodies anchored to it's base, standing at first motionless staring at the space beyond.
They are an assortment of forms, dressed in grey jeans and leggings, with the odd bright green top or burgundy bra visible through a string vest.
their transfixed expression is soften as one begins to sing, eventually with them all singing a beautiful rearrangement of a song by Chinawoman.  It is apparent from early on that music will play more than a supporting role in this signature piece, and the composer David Kiers was involved from the very inception of the creative process.
As each mouth shaped the words perfectly, in no time,  it became clear that the lyrics were incomprehensible neither in recognisable as English or Swedish, and a feeling of  wiry uneasy descented.
The bodies moved and became more animated, defying gravity, fighting the overlay material that begin to encase them, they are contorted with the ebbs and flow of both the rhythm and scintillating electronic beating. A shared moment of both delayed gratification and concern is observed, as they are eventually swallowed whole by the fabric, one by one.

With them all gone, the stage is abruptly transformed, as the curtain falls, is undone and the rail is lifted trailed by action lights. They, the now team of seafarers, in quick succession, work together to at first, control the beastly material that emerges in front of the austere grey wall, binding it with ropes and levers, as it again moves under it's own volition, up into the air and down again.
Their movement is demonstrative, expressed through emotions of great strain,  visible from the expressions on their faces. They are working at or possible beyond their capacities, with the piece eventually erupting into a crescendo of primal coloured flashing lights,  justifying the clothing choices, and manic sounds broken by intermittent black outs.
Finally, the beast is tamed, bound and on display, like a prize for all to observe and celebrate, it's violence has now become internalised, as the dancer being to rage against their own physical form  and begin convulsing on stage.  The end is as disturbing as it is brilliant, as the theme of moving organs through out space continues to the very final note.
A testimony to the Cullberg Ballet versatility to fit in to the repertoire of any guest artist is evident in this piece which took six week to create. Van Dinther describes the performance as a process to allow for volatility instead of perfection,  and for most segment, the dance were allowed to improvise under clearly defined parameters and limitations. Asked, whether it was difficult to get classically trained dancers to preform a piece which involved organ isolation and inventive somatic techniques.
It is clear Van Dinther has a bright future, and there has been much talk of him showcasing future work to Rosebery Avenue.


Rating ***++

Last chance to see it tonight at 7:30pm

The blogger returns

With all the resources the internet has to offer, and with the rise of the social media stars, its time to add a bit of wood this blog. Hopefully, from the ambers will emerge, a bright, burning new phoenix, posed to bathe in all that is warm and exhilarating about being around during these most

exalted times. 

So what can we look forward to? Well, Monday saw the opening of the new Spring/Summer Season at Sadler' Wells, a new resident group in the form of the English National Ballet, as well as old favourites; Tanztheater Wuppertal,  Aurélien Bory,  Wayne McGregor, Boris Charmatz and  Anne Teresa De Keersmaeker to name a few. It also marked the last opportunity to see Sylvie Guillem dance at Roseberry Avenue as she performs a "Life in Progress".


But this mention of Spring and the highlight of the year to come should not distract from the business at hand in 2014. For those lucky speculators, there is still the opportunity to see Sylvie dance with Akram Khan in Sacred Monsters at the end of the month, and this very week marks the UK premier of the Nordic dance troupe Cullberg Ballet in their much anticipated performance of Plateau Effect.


And that's just the dance....

Just do it (again)

Today it worth remembering that through grit and ingenuity it was possible to walk on the moon.


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March 2012 already!

Recently I have begun to appraise the life I've lived so far. It is jam packed with so many amazing memories and experience, thrilling & terrifying in equal measures. I'm happy with the majority of the choices I've made but I definitely believe its time to 'crank up' the pace. Time has shown me that there is very little point waiting & hoping, being proactive in most situations gets you the gold.
Also, the importance of challenging yourself, setting targets, check points & goals. Learning how to practice & refine your technique. Pushing yourself to the limit & being able to reload once a task is completed.
And most importantly of all don't stop dreaming...


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Location:Home, London

 Have you hugged, kissed and respected your brown Venus today ? at the Théâtre de la Ville

I did not quite know what to expected as I waited patiently outside porte 2, glass of vin blanc in hand. When four sprightly big bottomed women emerged from the stage doors and began to mingle with the waiting audience.

Intriguing as they appeared, I was reluctant to speak to the one closes to me, since my GCSE French would instantly unveiled me as a foreigner and newby to Parisian theatre scene, as it did ten minutes earlier when I checked in my bag and coat.

We exchanged smiles, and she proceded to speak with another seated lady, while passerby stole the opportunities to photograph her elaborate clothes and exotic looks.

In their colourful felt bonnets and patent doc martins, these women were transmogrified into a modern versions of Sarah Baartman, the Hottentot Venus and we the reluctant voyeurs.
The piece, advertised as a dance, was mostly interactive theatre, with the four Sarahs; two french; one Khoisan and the other English speaking, directing most of their performance and conversation either at each other, themselves or the audience.


In fact, as the light dimmed, the universal signals to ferme la bouche because the show is about to start, they continued chatting, much to the annoyance of the purist amongst us.

Sarah's story was told through narrative, mime, movement and video, in one instance, a roving camera.
A scene from her court case in England was cleverly conveyed by English speaking Sarah commandeering the mouth of a member of the audience, who was railroaded into repeating after her.

Or when the Sarahs wrapped themselves in colourful lace and asked four attractive men in the audience to help unwrap them.

Video had a place in this performance from early on, with many vignette of southern African women, and a young woman running. There were also moments, where Sarah was speaking directly to her management, protesting about her part and what she was and was not will to do.

It is not uncommon for attendees at da la ville to get up a leave in disgust, and there were no exception at this performance. When French speaking Sarah ask for her bag, the brown one, to be brought down from her seat. we were treated to some jaw dropping erotic play, when she opened it, and then asked another unsuspecting audience member, to pull on the little pink material as the bag was neatly positioned between her legs. Or when English speaking Sarah rummaged for a sweet in her bosom, illuminated on the big screen as roving camera transmitted snatches of flesh and unidentifiable creases.

Just as we were becoming comfortable with the format of the show, we were once more surprised, by blond wigged woman, bursting into song in the middle of  1st circle.

Sarah did not die in the end, she left the stage and sat down in her seats, she clapped along with us, she applauded, she was coy but then she rose and proceeded to shake hands as she made her way to the back.

What did it mean, this story of Sarah Baartman, this dance that was not only a dance, this audience that was not only an audience. What message should we take away.

Mirror, Music & Saburo Teshigawara at Sadler's Wells

With a strobe lighting warning on the ticket, you can be forgiven in thinking that Saburo Teshigawara latest choreographed performance for Karas called Mirror and Music at Sadler's Wells, is not for the slight of heart. The screeching sounds coupled with the rhythmic pulsating light display was both hypnotic and hallucinogenic. The much anticipated solo performance by Teshigawara was met with gasps as his intricate movements and contorted motion gave the appearance of a body submerged in water.  After bombardment by strobe lights, and the clever usage of props and timing, your eyes were skillfully tricked in ways that only enhanced the overall experience of the performance. This was a complete piece with a central narrative and special attention given to the music which when not high pitch, was rich in classical overtones to compliment the aesthetics of the dance and the dancers' energetic but graceful movements. Described as a master, and cult figure in Japan, he is definitely one to watch out for in the coming months.

Black Venus

After it's UK premiere at the Cine Lumiere last Wednesday, there is another opportunity to watch Abedellatif Kechiche's Black Venus (Vénus noire) at the BFI on Saturday 23rd July it is based of the life story of Saartjie Baartman, a tale which was only brought to the director's attention when the South African government demanding the return of her remains after almost 200 years after her death. Set in19th century England and France, this is a  mammoth of a film, and difficult to watch in parts due to it's extreme characterization, the viewer experiences the film as both the subject and voyeur, and will be left moved by her narrative, as a reward for making it to the end, there is a sense of closure, albeit in the absent of justice. 

Younger acting Skin

As the years pile on, skin care and maintenance has found it's way higher up the list of concerns, right next to dental care and physical fitness. I have found a few lines on my forehead, due in part to note realising how much I frown behind a fringe. I have been meaning for the late five years to buy better skin care products, better meaning expensive, as so far my moisturising routine consist of using Johnsons' baby lotion, sometime Vaseline dermo care and if  Über desperate E45 or Vaseline emollient. I want to graduate to Clarins Extra-firming Day Cream and the Multi-Active Night Youth Recovery Cream . My skin appears to be in great shape, supple and firm in parts, a gloss from a summer spent in Italy, few scars or signs of wear and tear.  tbc

The great return

It's a new year, it's a new day for me & I'm feeling good!

Initial wariness of this brand new year is beginning to subside, looking forward to a better work-life balance

Is it time for a resolution

Alas Christmas is over, and the new year is approaching. So common to the season, it's time to apply all reason and think of resolutions which could become solutions for a better year. Twenty-Eleven is the year of the Rabbit, what inspiration can be gained from such a beast, it's habitat of meadows, forests and wetlands, may encourage a renewed respect of nature, and a wish to spend less time in the confounds of the metropolis. Or a life underground in warrrens or burrows may symbolise a need to dig deep and cushion oneself through the difficult time which may ensue. It's long ears primarily for detecting predators highlights the value of listening either to others, out for danger or simply to pay more attentions, as it is said we have "two ears but only one mouth" for a reason.

It is with little doubt that the new year will bring new and unexpected challenges, new frontiers to explore as every year brings, and  we are to be comforted in the knowledge that nowhere stands still, and opportunities are everywhere, the Rabbit symbolises Spring and fertility, it's foot is considered lucky and in some parts of the world it is associated with innocence and youthfulness.

It is also known as the trickster, disobeying normal rules and conventional behaviour, in a time where convention is neatly veiled and the behaviour of those that lead us leaks through the cracks, we should be weary of those who wish to trick with treats or blind with words. A cliche but nonetheless for "evil to prevail all we need is for good people to do nothing", in times of financial instability, inter-generation disadvantage, religious intolerance and distinction between a deserving and undeserving poor, we would be better place to remember this maxim.

It must also not be forgotten the need for family, neighbours, friends, our communities, to share our happiness, pain, joy and disappointment with all those important in our life, as many will join 2011, and some will leave it, but for the most part we will experience this year together.

In closing, it's a new year, it's a gift, a present, not to be compared with those received previously or those received by others. it's a personal plead to do the best for oneself, to make everyday matter and distinct from the last, to not be consumed by the obligations of the day to day, to be both long and short-sighted with ones actions and ultimately to make it count!

il dit non avec la tete, mais il dit oui avc le coeur.

Yesterday night, I created an iphone folder to house my remote access apps: evernotes, logmein, dropbox, remember the milk, my tasks, istudiez pro, groups & ibooks.

It's day two of my report working experiment, i am at home, doing a joint task with a work colleague. I have already found the limitations of email slash iphone mail, it's great for viewing documents but since there is no editing function or transfer ability, I'm forced to download the document onto my laptop, which is quite messy. I guess one's technological asenal is only useful if others can access it.

Drop your box here

I've been trying to make my mobile existence more efficient by installing a few "cloud" programs onto my computer, laptop, phone etc.
My favourite so far is Dropbox, I should be able to share files with myself where ever I am, so far my file sharing requirements have been minimal, add that to the fact that I was never very good at file management and version control, and inevitable "Houston we may have a problem!" statement should follow.  In my previous ramblings I may have mentioned trying to upload my screenplay inspired by a joke onto this blog, well it's on my other computer, but here is a link to a synopsis for a 5-10min short that I've decided not to write.

Peanuts and teenage vampire series

These are a few of my favourite things...
Thursday is script writing day and always both enlightening and tiring experience. No synopsis submission, and I've changed my story, to the story I dreamt about, don't know how it ends, is more of a blur now and I keep changing my mind.

I probably need a good nights sleep, collect my thoughts then begin to put pen to paper (or finger to keyboard!)

Another mini highlight today was my Ciao Bella facebook chat with F, I felt completely lifted and energised on a otherwise dreary day.

Maybe I am the unreasonable, inflexible object and I am simply projecting this image onto others, I am started to be pre-occupied with base level thoughts and acting complete robotic instead of challenging or question requests or actions. I guess it better not to question and just to do!

Screaming screenplay

After watching my first attempt at an 8mm short (at No.w.here) I have been reinvigorated with a sense of urgency about making films. 4pm on a Saturday, and oh some much to do, I was meant to go shopping for animation clay, a pair of shoes and maybe some skinny jeans a la Preston from Ordinary Boy. But alas it was not to be, instead, I wrote or attempted to write by autumn term screen play, deadline is 16th December, but am I going to go against the normal and not leave writing it until the last minute. well, i was also planing to film it before Christmas. My initial idea about a man in a waiting room was not received particularly well on Thursday, hhhm so I guess it back to square one in terms of story.
Maybe today would be best spent reading the course materials, catching up on some Italian compiti and planing next weekend filming project.

As the wise lance corporal Jason once told me, never presume or assume something about anyone, maybe I should order the clay on amazon, & learn more about stop-motion animation...

Writing a script, I mean screenplay

Script writing class is beginning to rack, not being able to write is beginning to rack, so far, I have my super 8 mm Beaulieu 4008 ZMII Camera (€124 + €525 worth of it), that is just back from a Swedish service, made one shortish film, that I'll see on 5th November, if all goes well at No.W.here (that is) and have to write a script for Mr Belby's class on Thursday.
I have the idea, I have even mapped out the scenes, but can I write it, no no no, no time mainly. I have been working 9-5 that is more like 9-8 on most nights, get home dead to the world, ahhh!

I came on here to see if I can load up pdf files, but it's not possible, ahhhh again!

Film, Fills and more Films

I need to buy a super 8 Camera, maybe need is a little too strong an expression, it is my intention, amongst others. I yearning to make short films, as I told my sister, it's a silent camera, audio free, probably with black and white film, she laughed, it was as though I told her I had an idea about inventing the wheel while we were cycling, yadda yadda it's sohoshort film festival; Rushes, a f all about short films on 8mm, I am there for inspiration and maybe a good recommend on a camera!

What if

CHANGE happens



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Fancy Foot-work

Last week I fell in love with a pair of Gina Snake skin high heels at Selfridges, the brand is not too familar to me but these shoes were eye-catchingly elegant so much so I was seriously considering purchasing what in essence is pair of shoes equivalent to a flight to Australia!!!

Luckily for my Bank Manager, I saw a charming alternative pair at Office which I hope to wear to M&C's wedding this Saturday. I will be teaming them with a Monroe inspired grey slash white dress and tinsel grey tights combo.

Here are a few owner's points:

The shoes appearance is more like brown than grey, they are confortable with sponge under the toe area. I'm not a regular high heel wearer but they are easy to walk in on both hard & carpeted surfaces, I am UK 40 but 41 was a better fit!

They are called the "best in show shoes" and just arrived in stores last week, they are not real snake skinned (like the Gina's) but they have a nice finish and a strap for extra support which is also easy to conceal if you want to achieve the Betty Boop look without altering the overall shape of the shoe.

I would like to thank the sales assistant who reserved a pair in my size and was extremely helpful when I telephoned, I would also like to extend thanks to the cashier at Office, Camden for an extremely pleasant and painless shopping experience!

Product information

Style no. 37991015

Contact Office

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Lazy Sunday editing blog

Decided to add a few new gadgets to the blog and compose my blog manifesto

Getting back to sleep is not always easy

Getting back to sleep, especially a deep tranquil steep is not so easy when one has been woken up by a distrubance.
I have developed somewhat of a pattern: usually I'm so tired that I'm in need of an early night so I fall asleep usually before 10pm and if left undisturbed I could probably sleep until morning but.....
Either someone telephones or there is lighting or that stake of books which are balancing almost happily on the edge of that shelf decides it's time to fall & bang, that it's I'm awake and can't get back to sleep!


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Location:Somewhere over the rainbow