I Made You A Mixtape

Space Triplex

Nostalgic, loud, full of infectious energy and backed by an excellent 90s soundtrack with live musicians that makes it almost impossible to sit still…

This is a unique show, and it was a little surprising to us, despite being told right from the beginning that this is not a play, nor a musical, nor a dance show. It’s a myriad of things instead, centred around a group of women enjoying one last dorm party together before they all head off on their separate ways. We were a woman down for our performance, but that didn’t stop the energy from filling the space. What happens next is a mystery, even to the performers themselves. As their individual placards are revealed, the dancers respond instinctively to the situations and prompts described, creating solo dances in the moment (Meisner-based, as I’ve since discovered). The dancers are exceptionally talented, and when they came together, particularly for ‘the routine’, the energy levels really soared. Those moments of collective movement were definite highlights, high-energy and joyful.

It did take us a few songs to fully understand what was happening. The concept is innovative, but initially felt quite abstract, and I found myself looking for a stronger central thread or more of a narrative to hold everything together. Once we relaxed into the format, though, it became much easier to appreciate the emotional and intuitive responses to the prompts and the skill involved in creating something so spontaneous. The whole thing is colourfully chaotic, with the live music providing a fantastic soundtrack and keeping the pace and atmosphere moving throughout. There’s a real sense of freedom to the performance, and the dancers throw themselves into each new situation with impressive commitment.

Fun, frenzied and full of life…this has stacks of potential, I actually wanted to be more immersed or involved, sitting watching somehow did not feel enough for the energy in the room !

My (older) mini-reviewer said : ”I liked when she went a bit wild and ripped the tablecloth away !..and the music was great, they have excellent taste’