Recently, a choreographer in England lay under fire. As artistic director, he would not be able to judge his own work objectively. Promptly afterwards, a debate ensued under the title Do choreographers need editors? On seeing Strike Root of NDT, that question lingered: do choreographers need a dramaturge?
At Strike Root the three ballets are about the Sacre, the I Ching and songs by Patti Smith. The programme is part of CaDance 2015. This biennial festival brings together these edition mainly works by artists who great stories reshaping.
Having an editor or dramaturg is a real luxury. #RambertDebate
- Rambert (@Rambertdance) January 27, 2015
Thin Skin
Choreographer Marco Goecke knows he needs a dramaturge, because that's Nadja Kadel. Together, they put on a tribute to punk icon Patti Smith. The solos on sung text appeal and are ragingly clever. Dance in catharsis. Highlight is the solo by Jorge Nozal. (When will that man get an award?) Still, the dance is limited to movement. In particular, the lighting of matches and an occasional choke hold have a dramatic effect.
Chamber
Medhi Walerski once danced the revolutionary Sacre du Printemps by Béjart, so he knows how high the bar is set. His thorough approach is reminiscent: plastic bodies with leotards, angular and/or animalistic movements. A wonderful contrast between group and individual falls razor-sharp at the start. However, everything stays on one level: little goes up or down on the ground. The debate about the choreographer and dramaturge recognised that a good artistic director opinions gives to emerging, talented choreographers.
Safe as Houses
Paul Lightfoot and Sol Léon are a choreographer duo, so they can consult each other. They impressed with this 2001 work. What stands out is the language in which they speak. There is a beautiful stage setting, a rotating panel, extraordinary music and fabulous dancers. But the dance language is like speaking in tongues: it is impressive, a lot is said, but you can't make sense of it. Perhaps that is the point, because who can interpret the I Ching?
Whatever we're called - dramaturg, editor, outside eye, audience - our role is to refine the articulacy of the artist's idea #RambertDebate - David Micklem (@davidmicklem) January 27, 2015
Of course, NDT is a balletcompany and ballet the language. There will be in Strike Root however, great meanings are conveyed in many words and thus, above all, many movements. This limits the communicative value of language and locks the message into itself. Ballet as an art form does not evolve that way. Do choreographers need a dramaturge? My impression despite all the beauty, is yes. And an objective one.
Watch it programme of CaDance which can be seen until 15 February.
View Information on Strike Root
Photo header: Rahi Rezvani
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