Esme Davis
A white sheet takes up centre stage. A red balloon bobs below the lights, with a red-clad performer wrapped around the string. The scene is set for a moving rendition of connection, belonging, and love.
Roseline Zhang and Zilin Liu treat us to an impressive story woven through movement and stillness, voice and silence, contact and distance. This simple and purposeful movement piece encapsulates a recognisable narrative, bringing to the surface a mirage of feelings and memories as you watch the two talented dancers traverse the stage.
This piece makes several firm, simple choices and commits to them as the work develops. The clearest is the red and white colour palette. The red balloon stark against the white square of flooring, and the red clad performer creating an intriguing contrast with the white one. The clarity of the stage design gives the opportunity for the choreography to be intensely intricate and nuanced. For much of the show, the two performers move almost completely in sync with each other, with only a few intentional differences that suggest meaning and build up a subtle power dynamic. This is the sort of piece which needs your attention; if you want to truly appreciate the beauty and complexity of it, you need to be really looking rather than just watching.
Each element that is introduced to the stage is explored and developed to its fullest. The balloon features in many of the dances as a point of contention and balance between the duo. The white square on the stage is outlined and breached in a number of intentional motions. Silence is energised with mine and the harsh sound of breathing, and then fiercely contrasted with sharp, beating numbers that send the pace unexpectedly wheeling.
The movement is definitely the strongest element of this piece. The text, although interesting and moving at times, isn’t integrated with the rest of the piece. There are moments where we hear a pre-recorded voice over, which has a crackly quality in a way that’s unclear whether it’s intentional or not. It is more engaging when spoken, but still lacks any real depth or relevance to what is taking place, and quickly loses its grip on the audience.
A stunningly visual piece, with a beautiful simplicity spotlighting the talent and precision of the performers on stage.
Recommended Drink: A glass rosé, soft and elegant.
You can catch Invisible Lover until August 23rd at Grand Theatre at theSpace @ Surgeons’ Hall from 10:30 (45mins). Tickets are available through the EdFringe Online Box Office.
Lamesha Ruddock
Jake Mace
