Review
A full solo dance show is no mean feat. A single performer trying to captivate an audience on their own is a challenge in any medium, but dance, it’s both physically and mentally demanding. In Helix Daryl Brandwood from the WA Ballet takes on one mighty test.
The show begins with a small box on stage and dwarfed by projected images ranging from the microbiotic to the astronomical. Brandwood’s limbs emerge from the box like tentacles exploring the stage as if it’s an alien world. When Brandwood emerges and launches across the stage he captures the audience’s attention and holds it for the whole show.
The choreography of Barry Moreland is a mix of gracefully powerful moves and precise frenetic movement. Throughout the work there is a clear juxtaposition between the angular architectural shapes Brandwood creates with his body in some sections and the twisting, turning and leaping movements in other parts.
A series of short films created by leading WA cinematographer Ian Batt fill the backdrop of this show, allowing Brandwood’s image to dominate the stage. Throughout the different dance pieces we get glimpses of the rehearsal room, the streets of Northbridge and close ups of Brandwood’s intricate movements, each scenario adding a different layer of meaning and visual impact to the audience’s experience.
Dance Film is a developing area for the dance world, but this collaboration between Batt, Moreland and Brandwood is first rate, taking the full benefit of both live and recorded performance. In one sequence Brandwood takes to the stage in a tap number that would make Astaire or Kelly proud, dancing with five versions of himself, half a second either way and the interaction would be a failure but Brandwood was perfect on the beat every moment.
This is a great chance to see a technically skilled performer challenge himself with an intriguing boundary-pushing work that succeeds on many levels.
Helix is at The State Theatre Centre until Saturday June 11
Graeme Watson
Image by Ashley de Prazer
