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Perfection is elusive if not impossible when shows can visit their
performance space only once before their debut, as is often the case at
Fringe. That the dancers in this performance-art troupe had no idea the A/C
would drown out all their dialogue is obvious. That they still managed to
impart their vision (of perfection as something we cannot find in others
until we've found it in ourselves) is remarkable. And even though the show
falls flat when we can't tell why we're watching people pretend to hang
laundry or bark like dogs, the stories-of connecting with someone at a club
without saying a word, of an abused wife's finally striking back-hit a
chord. The abstract movements, solely for their calming, transporting,
utterly human quality, are achingly beautiful. Tall, gangly Toby Hughes, who
looks more goofball than dancer, should be credited with most of the
successes. He captivates in every piece, moving his lanky limbs with the
innocence and grace of a kid in a pile of leaves. And when he opens a mouth
as wide as Louis Armstrong's for a fantastic rendition of "It's a Wonderful
World," it's a taste of pure joy.
-- JADA YUAN
Cino Theater
Devised and choreographed by Karin Heberlein, Toby Hughes,
Oogoo Maia, Leticia Santa Fe, Emi Slater, Philippe Spall; directed by Emi
Slater.
Where:
Theatre for the New City, 155 First Ave.
When:
8/23 at 8:45, 8/25 at
noon.
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