PREVIEW EMIO GRECO
Odds-on favourite for success
Greco shares his unique style
The first time it was a gamble. Programming a relatively unknown Italian choreographer into a late-night slot at the Festival Theatre - would anyone turn up? What would they think? The International Festival director, Brian McMaster, had absolute faith in Emio Greco and his creative partner Pieter C Scholten. And it paid off. They may not have come in their droves, but those who turned up for Greco’s 2000 Festival show, Extra Dry, were all suitably wowed, paving the way for two nights at the Edinburgh Playhouse in 2001 with the wonderful Double Points. And now, for the third year running, the man who moves like no other dancer on earth is back with two new shows. So, is he getting blasé about McMaster’s invitations or are they still as important? ‘Absolutely,’ insists Greco. ‘Somehow it’s even more of an honour than the first time, to deserve such trust and respect
for the work.’
With Conjunto di NERO (The Conjunction of Black) and Rimasto Orfano (Abandoned Orphan), Greco has branched out from his previous solos and duets to create two group pieces, although as he says: ‘It’s five individuals, not a group.’ Both works explore themes of absence and loss through Greco’s choreography and Scholten’s stunning lighting design. But since Greco is renowned for his unique style, and capacity for total emersion inside the dance, has he endeavoured to pass that on to the other dancers? ‘That’s the target,’ he says. ‘lt’s where I try to lead them, although with their own intelligence.’ Five Greco’s on one stage? McMaster’s gamble just became odds-on favourite. (Kelly Apter)
I Con/unto di NERO. Edinburgh Playhouse. 76—7 7 Aug. 8pm. E54323.- Rimasto Orfano, Festival Theatre, 20 Aug. 8pm. E5423.
DRIP
One man and his bath 0...
A contest to save water proves fatal for the grotesque and obsessively eccentric characters in this dynamic and imaginative production from Lecog-trained company. ATTIC people. From the
opening creation of a whole block of flats and its residents from just a black table and a piece of chalk. this is a hilarious. emotional and satisfying production.
The cast maintain superb physical control thrOughout. as they portray characters of real outer eccentriCity.
32 TH. LIST FISTIVAL GUIDE ‘ 5—22 Aug 2332
and inner ugliness. The costumes and use of minimal props is .ngenious. and the plot never flags. letting you enter fully into this strange world where taking baths can cause untold heartache. (Gareth Dawes)
I C. Chambers Street. until 25th Aug. 4pm, £6.50 (£5.50).
FALLING ANGEL, RISING APE Inspirational international company 0..
Imagine Dance Theatre present six pieces about different aspects of human spirituality. with a special guest performance by Japanese dancer Ken Mai. All the works are strong. especially Blot/die) performed by Lovisa Tobieson with Superb control and fluidity. and Ssshhh. inspired by the works of Oscar Wilde. an investigation into repression of the soul.
The sequences combine contemporary elements of puppetry and mime with more traditional dance forms. and together provide inspiration while still being entertaining and fun to watch — one piece is entitled Symphony for a Schizophrenic Egg. How can you beat a title like that?
(Gareth Davies)
I C. Chambers Street. unti/Aug 25. 72.45pm, £6.50 (£5.50).
5065 - FANCY A LIFT?
Space man 000 Claustrophobics need not even think about going to lift 5065. as it is one of the smallest packed venues on the Fringe. Surrealistically set outside St Stephens Church the lift offers a 10-minute ride of apprehension and amusement. Invited into the small interior by saxophone music you can't help but feel a slight nervousness.
The performance that unfolds is an intense piece of physical imagery by Alexi Merkushev who utilises his small stage to great effect. Initially you may want to get off at the first floor but the performance soon ascends to a light- hearted freedom as the doors slide open. (Isabella Weir)
I St Stephen ’3. 558 3853. until 25 Aug. times vary, 27—59.
FALLEN
Flashes of brilliance 0..
Falling. both physically and metaphorically is
explored in this collaborative dance/theatre piece performed by American choreographer Jess Curtis and fabrikCompanie. To a live accompaniment of a lone cellist. five dancers enter the sparse set of giant picture frames and fall into the chalked body outlines on the floor. Raising limbs and slapping them heavily down. the dancers attempt to take flight. They roll and lollop Within the space. moving with tightly controlled dynamism. Slow in parts. Fallen does have flashes of brilliance - notably the clowning acrobatics of the expressive performers. But the original score. at times as painful as nails scratching aCross a blackboard. spoils an otherwise engaging performance. (Helen Monaghan) I St Stephens. 558 3853. until 78 Aug, 9.30pm; 20—24 Aug. 8.45pm, £9 (£7).
CHINVAT - THE NINTH BRIDGE Bridge over troubled water 00
In the blackness of Theatre Workshop‘s auditonum. stark white miniature ladders stand upright in wooden blocks. It's a striking set-up to contemplate. and the show itself presents many more visually interesting and stimulating images. but there is little else of note about this production. The mu3ic sounds irritatineg like so many creaky doors. just crying out to be firmly shut. whilst the performers' initial puppet-like manipulative style of movement. both interesting and original. is sadly abandoned in favour of a more mechanical characterless form. Without emotion. humour. character or discernible sense of narrative. Chinvat is a bridge to nowhere. (Gareth Davies) I Theatre Workshop,
Hamilton Place. until Sat 24 Aug. times vary. £9 £7).
HEATHE- ELEVISION Mesmerising installation for one .0000
This is stunning. You go into the Dunard Library where you're told to climb onto the grand piano. lie on a pillow and watch the television above y0ur head.
On screen for the next 52 minutes. five dancers under the choreographic eye of Boris Charmatz conduct a series of eccentric dances. all primal grunts and childlike. remedial rnoves: erratic. independentfunny disturbing.
Locked in the TV. they are also locked in small studio boxes and. as they move from space to space. so the lighting in the library flickers from intensity to intensity. The sound too is enhanced: notes resonate around yOur head. the piano rumbles beneath you.
i can only compare the effect — meditative. mesmerising. absorbing — to that of being massaged.
(Mark Fisher)
I The Hub, 473 2000. until 37 Aug. hour/y from 9am—7 7 pm, 25.
UNCLE WOLODJA From the other side of the family .0 Uncle Wolodia. in real life. is the kind of uncle who turns up unbidden on Christmas Eve. drinks far too much gets abusive towards Aunt Zofia and won't leave until your father pays him off. On stage. nowever. he's less entertaining. This show's appeal is ambiguous — not original. subtle or Clever encugh for adults. its content is also beyond the comprehension of. and Suitability for. children.
As a clown. performer Alexei Ivlerkushev
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Fringe 0131 226 0000 International Festival 0131 473 2000 Film Festival 0131 623 8030