Left - Trevor Patrick. Photo - Ben Cobham
Sunstruck is a very dark piece, both literally and metaphorically. More an overall experience than traditional dance performance, it takes place in a huge drafty shed on an old wharf at the docklands. A hard-to-find, uncompromising venue, it reflects the obscure and challenging nature of the work itself.
Despite the enormity of the cavernous and cold building, the performance is small in physical size. After a reception of green tea and sake huddled around gas heaters, the audience walks for what feels like miles down to the other end of the long space. Amidst the emptiness, a circle of chairs beckons and viewers take their seats around performers Trevor Patrick and Nick Somerville.
The two men, one younger, one older, dressed in black, flit in and out of the space, trapped in their own psyches, rarely even relating to each other. A lot is going on in their heads, but the audience is only privy to it through their esoteric gesturing. Their micro-movements range from the grotesque to the awkward to the confusing. Erratic finger motions, jerky strides and the speaking of gibberish mix with reservedly joyous private dances (the only moments of any vague sense of happiness) or a man leaving the circle to sit on a chair and stare at the other. There are no easy connections or entry points into this deeply internalized action. To further the emotional detachment of it all, the only light comes from a tall spot light that revolves around the circumference of the circle and at times is so dark that the action just fades into ominous black space.
Long time collaborators choreographer Helen Herbertson and designer Ben Cobham have created a very distinct ambience and palpable sense of physical and emotional distance. Livia Ruzic’s ambient sound score and the live violin and cello offerings from Tamil Rogeon and Tim Blake are equally important in building the environment. The use of space – the tiny performance within the massive building, the ever-shifting circular light source and the careful placement of the musicians and their haunting sounds at large distances from each other also contribute to the particular mood of isolation and loneliness.
As to be expected from Herbertson and Cobham, Sunstruck’s production and theatrical elements are all very well-conceived and strong. Nothing is wasted or gratuitous. Frustration at the discomfort of it all, the grief of the men, confusion about what is going on – everyone will take away something different from the work. Experiencing such an acutely distanced and cold, physically and emotionally, performance is not exactly enjoyable, but it does impart strong sensations. With its unrelenting mood, Sunstruck makes you feel something, stirs things up and challenges its audiences’ capacity to be disturbed and uncomfortable. This is what good art should do. It’s not for everyone, especially those who are mentally fragile or unsettled, but it is certainly a powerful and provocative performance.
Melbourne International Arts Festival presents
Sunstruck
Helen Herbertson & Ben Cobham
Venue: Shed 4 Docklands, Nth Wharf Rd, MELWAYS 2D:E7
Dates: Mon 13 – Sat 18 Oct at 8pm & 9.30pm
Duration: 40 min no interval
Prices: Full $28 / Groups (8+) $25.20 / Conc $22 / Student / MF-Y $22
Bookings: Ticketmaster 1300 136 166 | www.melbournefestival.com.au
Please Note: Dress Warmly. Seating is limited - bookings are essential for this event
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