This haunting performance is shot through with fugue-like fragments of surveillance, interrogation and torture, forming a disorientating depiction of the violence, claustrophobia and paranoia of life under the Stasi. The dance sequences are excellent: officials grasp suspects by the necks, limber spines twist and swoop, and the fragility of the body is contrasted with resilience of spirit as each delicate movement is performed with the fierce concentration of one who senses she is being watched. However, these beautiful moments are interspersed with baffling dialogue, with the result that the narrative is seemingly scrambled, encoded and frustratingly undecipherable. Whilst the precise, cryptic nature of this piece may not make for exuberant viewing, it is certainly appropriate to its subject matter.

Zoo Southside, 6 – 20 Aug (not 16), 6.10pm (7.20pm) £10.00 – £12.00, fpp179.
tw rating 3/5
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Sections: by Thea Warren - ED2011 Dance & Physical Theatre Reviews - tw rating 3/5 | Tags: Isobel Cohen, Zoo Venues

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