By George Dixon.
The Melbourne performance of “idk” played at North Melbourne’s Arts House. The venue was perfect – its extra depth and ample stage area provided opportunities for every inch to be utilised.
This seventy-minute production is admirably titled “idk” with its mesmerising interpretive dance and dialogue. The audience can interpret and relate to individual aspects and the various multi-layers that develop into a whole narrative around various life’s developments and consent.
It explores the idea that there are many layers and age stages around aspects of life and, therefore, consent.
The question of when thinking about something, becomes more than the action of doing something, compared to actually doing something and what happens afterwards. idk, explores this concept across various childhood to adult scenarios.
Its design is for the audience to relate to the situations, recognise their feelings, impulses, and responses, and to recognise their relationship to thought, action and connection.
The simplicity of props, spotlights, and CCTV intersect with dance and dialogue between the three characters, is a sheer delight and a masterclass for any budding director and interpretative dancer.
The ingenious use of carpets highlights the versatility of this item, from a floor covering to the rolling sea is very smart.
Directed by Danielle Micich, who is also Force Majeure, intimacy co-ordinator for stage and screen, provides the sensitivity requirements for dancing closeness along with the freedom and expressions tailored around the solo interpretations.
The three very talented performers, Gabriel Comerford, Adriane Daff and Merlynn Tong, (who are always on stage) is very impressive. Their professionalism, facial expressions and phraseology in movement are outstanding. The high level of energy and precision of stage placement for the CCTV interactions is faultless.
It was clear that as an ensemble, they worked as one. That they enjoyed both the interactions and the energies radiating from each other. To the audience’s delight, they made hard work look fun and easy.
On stage, something was always happening, making the complete performance seamless and enjoyable with a pace that allowed the audience to take in and enjoy the story unfolding.
People came away satisfied and happy having experienced idk. I am sure that many will be talking about this production for some time, as they smile and reflect on the different levels presented.
