Scottish Dance Theatre
Performance Reviews || Sunday, 26 August, 2007
After we all got a bit fed up of mixed media and the digital invasion, we have seen a recent surge of back to basics contemporary dance. Going back to their roots, a lot of companies are getting technical (some might say balletic) with their movement again.
However Scottish Dance Theatre staying true to their name, with not just dance, but theatre. Always bold, particularly under the direction of Janet Smith, and never afraid to tackle serious issues
And you can't get much more serious than war, the subject of their latest offering at the Edinburgh Fringe, 'Sorry for the Missiles', choreographed by Vanessa Haska.
Although triggered by the troubles in Gaza, she drew on her own childhood experiences as a Greek Cypriot.
The lively mix of Eastern European music creates a strong community feel as the whole company dance traditionally and formulaically through he flag-adorned streets. However the happy times are short-lived as the sounds of planes invade the scene. From then on the choreography is emotionally charged - writhing bodies, torn and disjointed.
I found it quite difficult to watch as it demonstrated vividly how individuals and communities are destroyed by war, trying their best to carry on (dancing!).
I was reminded once again that theatre and indeed dance is not just there to entertain but to educate and help us to understand the lives of others.
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