Daniel Linehan- Theatre Des Abbesses November 9th 2013

A surprise trip to Theatre des Abbesses  lead me to seeing this great piece of dance by a new up and coming choreographer Daniel Linehan. The trio of pieces each leant themselves to Linehan's unique choreographic style, a mixture of pedestrianised movement with artistic intent. 

Digested Noise (Linehan's Solo piece) was followed by, The Sun Came Out and Being Together Without Any Voice all different with their own context's and choreographic values, but had elements of linkage with each other. Such as the strong use of repetition and sudden changes in pace - which are integral to Linehan's artistic and choreographic development. 

Digested Noise began as a series of movements placed together, in a physically logical order accompanied by human sounds, humming, ticks, clicks, mumbles and breath. The movement was in correlation to the sounds that were produced and provided the essential accompaniment to the quirky movement. 

The following pieces had a strong sense of ensemble in the way that they first appeared on stage, but for me I was constantly thinking 'move together, lift! pair work!' it lacked a sense of togetherness in parts, with a vast array of intricate solos that were repeated, passed on, and choreographically enhanced each time they appeared. This does not distract from what are beautiful pieces of movement, delicately placed together with immaculate timing and ensemble collaboration.... I just fancied a cheeky lift or two!

Being Together Without Any Voice, effervesced a social atmosphere that was known by everyone in the auditorium. The giggles and titters of laughter when company members were working hard on their own solos, bumping into each other, some recognising what happened, others just focused on the task at hand, echoes SO MANY situations that are known to everyone. A bustling bar, an over crowded nightclub or even pushing to see your favourite thing in a museum.  Social situations where bodies in space is the important the only thing that communicates, situations where the voice is unheard. The intricate solos appeared once more, with the same hypnotic effect, movements of routine and expression filled the lines this time and produced a snappy pace that never became boring or predictable. Dancers partnered themselves differently each time. the spacing and orientation changed, giving the audience a different perspective every time. 

3 pieces of dance work that provoke laughter, thought and realisation. What else do you want from new dance?