Melbourne Reviews

Viewers beware, Monster Body is not for the faint of heart or weak of stomach. Atlanta Eke's production seeks to distort, contort and ultimately shift your perception of the human bodies' unique marketing abilities. Starkly confronting and at times grotesque, Monster Body fails to communicate with the audience, leaving patrons confused and uncomfortable as they watch the incredibly toned if not emaciated body of Eke cavort across the stage in nothing more than a smile.

Using classic dance techniques to illustrate the pain and suffering many dancers tolerate, Eke's point is quickly lost amongst the guttural animal sounds escaping her throat and odd, awkward movements undermining any artistic designs the piece may have originally had.

Publicised as "contemporary dance," Monster Body is more a performance art piece than a contemporary dance routine. The only moment of reprieve came at the faux interval in which Eke was joined by a crew of undressed women; faces covered dancing energetically to Beyonce's "Run the World (Girls)".

This show was neither challenging, provocative or at the very least interesting. It provided little more than a self-serving outlet for Eke to release her inner demons to an unsuspecting audience. A cathartic exercise for the performer, yet an uninspiring one for the viewer, Monster Body was an uncomfortable journey lacking style, substance and basic human hygiene.


Monster Body
by Atlanta Eke

Venue: Dancehouse | 150 Princes St, North Carlton
Dates: 21 – 27 May 2012
Tickets: $15-25
Bookings: www.dancehouse.com.au

Part of the 2012 Next Wave Festival