At Earthfall |
| Earthfall- AD , Chapter Arts Centre , March 1, 2001 |
| It always amazes me how much production companies manage to put on such profound productions in such a small space with the most minimalist of settings. A table, a lone keyboard, a video screen and a window frame makes up the setting for aD. This production deals with the fragmented memories of father and son and is portrayed through three characters accompanied by a musician. aD begins with two characters – their identities not made clear – sitting on a table in from of the video screen, mimicking each others movements. The grace and fluidity of the two becomes immediately apparent as they launch into a full scale tumbling routine. The lone musician begins by playing haunting chords on the synthesiser whist the screen projects an image of the son talking about his father. The video screen helps to provide an insightful glance into their inner thoughts and feelings. It was through the screen that we, the audience, are able to experience the character’s feelings and most familiarise ourselves with them as people. The only time we hear them talk is through the screen. aD seems to play with the idea of distance and proximity between family members and also cleverly works humour into the script. Gerald Tyler, who at times assumes the role of the father or narrator, proves a success. He has the opportunity to add many humorous comments and to show off his vocal talents, which unfortunately leave much to be desired. The high point of the production is the dancing and hypnotic gaze of dancer Terry Michael. The characters are amazingly light on their feet and the choreography fits perfectly with the family situations they are trying to emphasise. The characters are often inter-linked through their movements. During one particular scene, aD proves very successful at depicting that ever-familiar situation of sibling rivalry where the younger one is to blame. Earthfall also manages to weave different genres into the production. At one point the three characters go to a ‘club’ and they all strut their funky stuff complete with their psychedelic shirts. This signifies their close link to their father as he always had so much energy. This ends with the three dancing on the table just in t heir trousers which, needless to say, proves quote easy on the eye. As well as dealing with the light-hearted issues, the company also look at more serious issues, such as child abuse, alcoholism and the death of a parent. Perhaps one of the most intense scenes is when the video screen shows Daelik one of the characters running away from his life. This situation is intensified further through the melancholy sound of the harmonica. In my eyes this shows the distance between father and son and how far they have grown apart. It would be unfair to review the piece and not to give mention to Chris Vine, the musician who solely accompanied and wrote the music for the piece, armed only with a synthesiser, guitar and mixing desk. He manages to work in a great array of styles ranging from disco, rock, drum ‘n bass and, how can I forget, the final piece played on the Spanish guitar. Earthfall managed to mix a vast array of emotions such as tenderness, violence and humour in order to produce a very unique and effective production. |
Reviewed by: ANGELA SINGH - Gair Rhydd (Student Newspaper, University College Cardiff.) |
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