mis-thread (dance umbrella 2010 - 1)

This short review is part of a series on dance pieces and events which occurred last Autumn at Dance Umbrella 2010.

Choreography: Freddie Opoku-Addaie
Dancers: Louis Tanoto, Alessandra Ruggeri, Chris Rook
Music: Sarah Shanson and Fried Dahn
Set (sculptures): Friedel Buecking
Date of performance: October 19th 2010.
Video: click here.
Photographs: click here, here and here.


Three people are discussing, a white line across the stage divides one of them from the other two. In fact, this 'lone individual' (Louis Tanoto) repeatedly attempts to engage with one of the other two (Alessandra Ruggeri), while the third one (Chris Rook) moves his buttock across the line or dances a grotesque solo on one foot coated with a flaming red sock. The stage is also adorned with Friedel Buecking's evocative wooden hand-shaped sculptures, with which the dancers interact in various manners. Sarah Shanson and Fried Dahn' live music performed live by Fried Dahn gives an elegant touch to the piece.

Mis-Thread is a dance about the notion of inclusion and exclusion. It is at times fragmented, but often reveals moments of energy and lyricism.