Park Bench
NASDA Theatre, E Block, CPIT, Christchurch
09/10/2014 - 12/10/2014
Production Details
Park Bench
Defn. (n) park bench (a bench in a public park).
An inanimate object. Devoid of knowledge. Unaware of surroundings… If it had eyes, what would it see?
Chant et Danse is back with a new production that showcases the talents of the dancers of the company, who have a passion for performance and a commitment to their craft. Devised in conjunction with the dancers, Park Bench encompasses a variety of dance styles showing the relationships that exist.
A passing businesswoman, a tramp, a runner, a child, young lovers… what do they have in common, if anything?
Date/Time Thurs 9th – Sun 12th October at 7.30pm
Tickets $25, $20 concession, from Dash Tickets www.dashtickets.co.nz or ph 0800 327 484, booking fees apply.
45 mins
The observant bench
Review by Jess Probert 11th Oct 2014
‘If a park bench had eyes, what would it see?’ This question is answered through the telling of a fast paced story with clear characters, strong movement, an exploration of many genres and wonderful energy.
The sound of birds welcomes you into the theatre, and a park bench sits in the corner of the stage, lit by a lavender spot and an overhanging lamp post that stands behind the bench. It would feel very natural, as if you are taking a walk through the park, except for the fact that the bench is the only part of the stage that is lit and as you observe the bench, you almost feel as though it is observing you as well.
The show begins and you are transported to a day in the park, with a jogger, a couple reading and drinking coffee, to a very glamorous looking dancer taking a lot of photos on her phone. You feel as though you are simply watching people pass by in the park. After the introduction of all the characters we are taken are a fast paced journey, observing the stories of these individuals as they pass through the park, and how the lives of these people end up intertwining.
The moments in the performance when the company come together for the group pieces are definitely a stand out. You can feel the energy that the dancers are giving to their performance, and the interaction between the dancers on stage heightens the energy also. Throughout the performance of Park Bench we experience just how versatile these dancers are. the energy and performance quality never falters whether executing a heartfelt and emotional lyrical duet, a tap duo, or an energetic Fosse-inspired group number,
All of the pieces incorporate the bench as part of the performance, making it feel as though the bench is part of all the stories, but as the movement takes the dancers away from the bench you realise that the bench is just observing, and is significant to one part of an individual’s story but only in a way that makes it appear as though it is always in the background observing but never passing judgement or comment.
Park Bench is a wonderful display of how an interesting and unique concept, combined with versatile and strong dancers and an upbeat and energetic soundtrack come together to create a performance that very effectively takes you away on a high energy, engaging ride through the eyes of a park bench.
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