It’s not the mesmerizing figures that writhe, jerk and twitch in front of us, that have our eyes glued to the stage. It’s not the fact that these same bodies shift effortlessly, only moments later, into such beautifully unified choreographed dance, timed to near-perfection, that keeps us hypnotized. After all, they’re wearing pyjamas. It’s not the oversized television that sits centre stage (however obvious, it’s a useful ploy – with the tanker hovering ominously in the background) that keeps us enthralled. Indeed, it can’t be the cleverly arranged design of the piece as a cohesive unit that alone retains our interest. It’s neither the experimental style, nor the accessible subject matter that keeps us engaged. It’s neither the unobtrusive lighting, nor the crisp and adequately managed sound, that holds our attention. For surely, our attention is held. And it is the careful amalgamation of these elements that allows Lucy Guerin’s latest dance theatre piece Human Interest Story to generate such a powerful and thought-provoking impression.
Such impressions are very inventively performed; she explores the nature of the news and our relationship with it; as individuals and a community. It has elements of comedy (with a particularly funny segment starring Anton Enis in a cameo role) as we watch human figures parody the news. Tragedy or the bleak misfortunate of a capitalist society under pressure is examined as these same figures are burdened and overloaded (indeed, one character is physically ‘stuffed’ with newspaper) by the sheer volume and unrelenting nature of the news today.
Captivating, heart-felt and rich. Human Interest Story should not be missed.
Belvoir presents Lucy Guerin Inc’s
Human Interest Story
Choreography Lucy Guerin
Venue: Belvoir St Theatre | 25 Belvoir St, Surry Hills
Dates: 31 August – 18 September 2011
Times: Tuesday 6.30pm | Wednesday to Friday 8pm | Saturday 2pm & 8pm | Sunday 5pm
Tickets: Full $59 | Seniors (excluding Fri/Sat evenings) $49 | Concession $39
Bookings: 02 9699 3444 | www.belvoir.com.au
