Be Your Self.

DANCE.

2012. Australian Dance Theatre's Be Your Self @ Sydney Theatre.

We have all heard of, if not dabbled in the practice of self-enquiry- a search for self-realization or even enlightenment. Who are we? Who am "I"? And where does our body and mind connection truly lie? Such deep investigation was embodied in this clever new work, as Gary put the human body on display and forced the audience to inspect it. Along with such physical enquiry came aesthetic and visual prowess, which made this performance a truly exciting accomplishment to watch.

Australian Dance Theatre’s Be Your Self is a vibrant and engaging work. From ‘squeaking’ joints to deceptive costuming and protruding limbs, Gary Stewart’s choreography is cleverly paired with an unpredictable electronic score. The addition of spoken word, video and architectural design was also produced with purpose and satisfied intent. Above all, the slamming and jamming of the dancers’ bodies leaves a powerful impact, each of them well equipped to deal with the physical demands of the piece. This Sydney premiere season proved that ADT is very much a driving force in dance innovation.

From the outset, Kimball Wong produced slow, controlled movements, his body distinctly displaying obvious skills- balance, strength, and flexibility. The audience watched him bend, extend and shape his body in choreographically simple movements, allowing us to admire the focus and pure physical athleticism of his body - an external analysis. Simultaneously, Annabel Giles stood alongside him and scientifically transcribed his movement, transforming these actions into complex muscular and chemical reactions. Suddenly it became an internal analysis, highlighting cause and effect which often go unnoticed. We move. But how do we move? Gary transforms the body into a mechanical marvel right before our eyes.

This concept is continued throughout, but is especially fundamental in the final excerpt, which was a stellar conclusion to the piece. Using an architectural wall as a playground, the dancers’ bodies are deconstructed. A head becomes an entity of its own, as does an arm, a leg, and a torso. Limbs pop up through this clever visual creation and become formidable components of a bigger picture. Which limb belongs to which dancer? Who is who? Different body parts combine to form virtual visual bodies, but identity is lost. It no longer matters. We inspect each body part and the fascinating qualities each holds. Mouths open, silently ‘singing’, represented by beautiful video patterns streaming from their lips along the wall. Weaving and intertwining amongst the loose limbs, creating poetic lines and shapes.

Be Your Self attests that these dancers are athletes. They confidently throw their bodies into the air and ground, masters of utilising gravity as well as deceiving it. Quick and violent gestures accompany the mimed screams, simultaneous to screeching sound effects, as their bodies bend and thrash in all directions. Limbs fly and backs undulate. There are body rolls, break dancing moves, and collapsing knees. The energy and commitment to each movement needs to be commended. Yet they possess fluidity and control that allows the audience to be comfortable with their violent gestures. This not only protects their bodies, but insanely exposure the capabilities of the human body.

The sense of self is lost, and then it is found. A constant battle represented by the chaotic movements, but also through their articulate use of expression as well as metaphoric representations. At times they looked lost, at times empowered, but always in control.

The struggle to be your-self was captured brilliantly in this physical and emotive work. And there isn’t a better dance company to challenge audience perception about the power of the human body.