| I Like This | Chunky Move |
| Written by Nikki Thomas |
| Saturday, 22 November 2008 20:05 |
 Photos - Genevieve BaileyCementing themselves firmly and absolutely in the Melbourne and international dance scene, Chunky Move is an innovator in developing and nurturing future talent. I Like This is the first show for The Next Move, a Chunky Move initiative to showcase a series of performances from Australia’s next generation of dance makers. Choreographers and performers Anthony Hamilton and Byron Perry set a high benchmark with their extraordinary creative vision and execution. Their journey is clear - to design an environment, document their development, all with the attempt to control their surroundings. What follows is an hour of absolute absurdity, breath taking choreography and a vast insight into the creative genius of both men. What compliments this piece is the sense of fun and liveliness, infectiously passed on from the choreographers to the performers to the audience. There are no great mysteries to this piece. The idea is about the creation of a work rather than a theme or story. The performance is an on-going development, essentially generated from the work. As the piece progresses, the choreographers attempt to make sense of it, watching on as it spirals into the unknown. They become integrated in the performance, as they seek to control their own creation. They are in essence, influencing and being influenced by every move. Each sequence runs in direct correlation from the last, spawned on from no other reason than a natural succession. The lighting is cleverly designed and executed, with the only source being that of hand held globes operated by the onstage performers. Dictating the piece was each black out, their movements sectioned as the performers moved effortlessly and silently into a new idea. As each light was switched back on, another inventive tangent had been taken, provoking startling and surprising humour. Rather than limiting the performers, operating their own technical requirements enhanced the movement and flow of the piece. Working superbly as an ensemble, each talented dancer began as an object for the choreographers. As the piece developed, so too did the personality of the performers, each one adding a sense of cheekiness to the piece. Stephanie Lake gave an exceptional performance as part orchestrator/part orchestrated and provided a vast amount of the comedy with her lively audience interaction. Played at all times with a straight face, this piece was a thought-provoking yet humorous exploration of how choreography develops. Beautiful for the sake of being beautiful, funny for the sake of being funny, this piece demonstrated the love of creation in dance. It explored the joy and frustrations of crafting a piece, of collaborating, of watching something grow or deplete from the vision of the mind. Just like they were attempting to control their environment, it was a great display of the lack of control and comprehension felt in our own lives. This is – quite simply an outstanding piece of theatre, due to its creative vision and compelling choreography. I Like This lives up to the enviable reputation of Chunky Move; to create stimulating, inventive works that challenge the status quo of the dance world. Best of all, this piece represents the two men behind it; a bare all approach of their past, present and hopefully future influences. Chunky Move presents I LIKE THIS created by Antony Hamilton & Byron Perry Venue: Chunky Move Studios | 111 Sturt Street, Southbank Dates: November 20 – 29, 2008 Bookings: www.m-tix.com.au or 9685 5111 www.chunkymove.com
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