DANCE

As Lecoq-trained performers, this 4 strong all-male cast of ‘Rhum and Clay’ deliver exceptional clowning, physically dynamic images, and a wonderful aesthetic which is only strengthened when they remove their gas masks to reveal further pleasures; as incredibly attractive men, each tall dark and handsome, it seems they can do no wrong. They begin by exploring the darkness with torches, groping the space with slow and controlled movements, subtly lit by the glow of torchlights. The effect is immediately enigmatic, and with a restrained music score like the whirring undertones of a generator, this prefigures the sinister sci-fi landscape that is ‘Shutterland’.

The company embrace the strange, channelling absurdist perspectives of a heightened reality and a physical embodiment of paranoia through a performance which explores an exciting and creative subversive treatment of surveillance in society. It is darkly humorous, pacey and satirical of CCTV; bearing social, historical and political resonance which is at times chilling, and always beautiful. There are some stunning moments, creating really dynamic stage pictures, such as the simple coup de théâtre where video cassette tape exploding from a man’s chest is poised in mid-air by gas masked military enforcers.

Some scenes went on a bit and seemed repetitive, yet the show is highly original with fluid physicality and this repetitiveness didn’t seem to matter, as they were constantly creating something beautiful and interesting to watch. I will certainly be following the company on facebook, not least to beautify my newsfeed, but this is an exciting company with limitless potential, and you can expect great things from these men.