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http://www.mooneyontheatre.com/2011/07/14/ab-intra-bonnie-compagnie-2011-toronto-fringe-review/

 

ab intra (Bonnie Compagnie) 2011 Toronto Fringe Review

By Nadaa Hyder

ab intra at the Tarragon Theatre is an amazing dance performance.
There are three props – a desk, a chair, a floor lamp – three acts and three dancers – one for each act.
Each dancer focusses on a different part of their body, one with beautiful yet incredibly eery expressions. One with unusual hand and arm movements that seem disjointed and alienated. And one with wild hair and (sometimes) immobile legs.

Each of them has such wonderful control of their body and with subtle nuances and twitches there is a quality to the show like no other. The emotions they are conveying come through incredibly well. There are moments when my heart is racing and my body can’t hold still, then there are other times when I feel relaxed and my mind wanders a little, and I am able to pay closer attention to the props and composition of the stage.

The choice and use of props was spectacular. There are beautiful lines that are created on stage. In one particular case all four (three props and the one dancer) are on their sides. This is one of my favourite moments of the show as there is a gorgeous symmetry that is created on the stage.

The choreography also relays this line and shape in the movement of the bodies. There are variations of elongation and being balled up that are used continuously. These offer a tremendous visual quality as well as emotional roller-coaster.

The lighting does not overpower, yet simply enhances the show. Unlike normally though, it is very noticeable and cannot be overlooked. It is an integral part of the play.

The exact same applies for the music. There is a combination of sampling some oldies and distorted sounds, white noise and unidentifiable fragments of conversations. The sounds are very well suited for this style of performance. In fact, the lighting and sound are so beautifully coordinated together that they push the show to another level.

This show is beautiful yet eery. I enjoyed it immensely due to this reason. For those who are looking for an experience, one that will give them a shake, this is perfect. I haven’t seen dance like this before, and I have to say, I am truly blown away.

Details:
ab intra is playing at Tarragon Theatre Mainspace (20 Bridgman Ave.)
Show times:
Sat, July 16 12:30 PM
Sun, July 17 7:30 PM
All individual Fringe tickets are $10 ($5 for FringeKids) at the door (cash only).
Advance tickets are $11, available online at www.fringetoronto.com, by phone at 416-966-1062, in person at The Randolph Centre for the Arts, 736 Bathurst Street