4our was like a dream. Not only was the choreography, lighting, set design, and dramaturgy so expertly integrated into a cohesive narrative, but the entire show had an other-worldly, dreamy quality to it that was mesmerizing.
Joe Laughlin, returning to the stage to perform with Gioconda Barbuto, Kevin Tookey, and Heather Dotto, has crafted this masterwork that explores themes of memory, age, and the mature dancer. The paradox of artistic maturity coinciding with deteriorating bodies is also a large inspiration for the work.
With a few props placed around the black box stage of The Dance Centre, these four dancers moved with emotional intensity to a descriptive, rich soundscape of classical music. Using the sheer white garments hanging above the stage, the dancers evoked different relationships and roles relative to each other. A romantic relationship was present, as well as siblings, parents, and children. Representative of each milestone of our lives, there was plenty of passion and anxiety on display as well.
One of the most interesting props was a chair that Tookey constructed on stage from an assortment of chair legs, tying them together to form the base. He also danced with a restrictive mask wrapped around his head, seeming to represent a feeling trapped in life’s circumstances.
Adding to the dreamlike quality was the beautiful lighting with thin strips moving across the stage or softly lighting certain areas. Video projections, including the faces of the dancers, played on the back wall to add another layer of meaning.
Humour played a large part in this work, one scene involving Dotto and Laughlin was quite funny. It was titled “The Chambermaid” and had Dotto saucily fussing around in an apron while flirting with him and the audience. This scene seemed a bit out of place in the context of the larger piece, but I took it to be a thought provoking representation of age and gender.
This emotionally full, layered work ended on a beautiful note with snowy lighting falling across the stage, the dancers silhouettes still and pensive as we took in the silence and calm.
4our was presented by Joe Ink October 1 – 3 at the Scotiabank Dance Centre. For more information, visit joeink.ca.
