Performed by the first and second year students on the Dance And Performance Degree course at The Arden Theatre School in Manchester, and danced on their main stage in the bowels of UCEN City College's central campus, this was their end-of-year showcase.
The first part of the show was a 20-minute showcase of commercial dance routines, from Burlesque to hip hop and street. These 6 dances were all good and enjoyable; although I was uncertain as to whether or not they were supposed to smile. Facial expressions did not seem to have been taken into consideration in some of the routines as some dancers wore a continual false toothy smile, whilst others scowled and stared unflinchingly.
After a short interval, the main feature... The Nick. A dance/theatre realisation of a contemporary female prison. The prisoners had been given orange jump suits (a -la Guantanamo Bay!), and each had been given a number and the reason for their imprisonment. Other performers played prison wardens and visitors. This was a very visceral "ballet" and was also a damning indictment on the prison system and those who wield power and dole out justice. If this is truly 'normal' procedure in prison, where the guards are just as corrupt as the inmates, and the 'justice' meted out is worse than the crimes the prisoners had already done on the outside, then it is shocking. I have no direct (or even indirect for that matter) connections with the UK prison / justice system; but it is little wonder that prison engenders crime, if what I saw is to be believed.
Danced (performed) with sincerity and much energy, the story of these inmates unfolded, and we leaned about their crimes, the brutality of their life in prison, the jealousies, and their survival mechanisms; some stronger than others as indeed we witness a prison murder.
Hard-hitting, no punches pulled, this mixture of contemporary ballet styles using contemporary music and very minimal dialogue (as well as voice-overs) had me railing at the prison system. Danced with precision and skill by the students, I enjoyed their talents, and the use of the black material towards the end was inspired choreography.
Reviewer - Matthew Dougall
on - 19.5.23
on - 19.5.23
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