Michael Clark Company – Come, Been and Gone (Salford)
Venue: The Lowry
Where: Salford
When I heard that choreographer Michael Clark had produced a dance piece featuring the music of David Bowie, I was genuinely excited as I started to imagine how the iconic voice, fantastic lyrics and image of Bowie could be fused together with ballet moves. To me, the concept was certainly a winner on paper.
On stage, it is not only a winner – it is simply one of the most innovative, exhilarating and stunning pieces of dance you will ever see. The movement lives with you long after curtain up as you get the chance to experience such variety within the three sections; gone, come, been and gone and come again.
Featuring the music of Wire, the opening section eases you into the spectacle of a Michael Clark production and as the dancers glide across the stage, you are reminded of how fantastic dance can be when there is a narrative which is not pretentious. Clark creates an inviting atmosphere which leaves you hungry for more.
The second section has jaw dropping imagery, including a dancer dressed in a costume – complete with heroin needles hanging off her. This may sound grim, but there is comedy present and the athleticism on display means that you have some truly ‘blink and you’ll miss it’ moments.
The final section ups the ante even more and the music of Bowie is intergrated seamlessly, along with images of the great man, himself. The dancers gazelle like movements, coupled with slower paced ballet mixed with the legend’s evocative lyrics works wonderfully well.
Cheeky nudity, slapstick comedy, a poignant dance between two males and terrific teamwork leave you with one word on your lips as you leave the theatre: Wow!
Bravo Kate Coyne, Melissa Hetherington, Oxana Panchenko, Harry Alexander, Simon Williams, and Benjamin Warbis who deliver flawless moves creating the illusion that there are far more of them than there are and rising to the challenge of Michael Clark‘s highly original and varied choreography.
They are all heroes, sadly though, just for one day. Come back again soon!
