Young Associates ‘Four’, Sadler’s Wells Theatre Review
Reviewed by Annie for Theatre and Tonic
Disclaimer: Gifted tickets in exchange for an honest review
One of the greatest privileges of living in the big city is the ability to see such a diverse range of art. Obviously here at Theatre & Tonic we primarily focus on Musical Theatre, but it feels extra special and honoured when we’re given the opportunity to broaden not only our horizons, but also give a wider range of experiences for our readers to open their minds to.
Last night I was invited along to Sadler’s Wells latest Young Associate billing, Four. The Young Associates programme supports talented and aspiring 18-25 year olds, and 18-30 for d/Deaf and disabled choreographers for two and half years - “giving them crucial first steps into careers as choreographers.” The programme takes on 4 individuals of varying dance backgrounds, and provides them with a full programme for professional development, aiming to start their careers with a bang.
Roseann & Sula - ‘DUG MEAT’
Roseann & Sula, originally from Scotland, are multidisciplinary artists, and founders or Tough Boys - whose focus is to create pieces which find ‘viscerality, intensity and honesty within the body’. DUGMEAT is about the inevitability of our futures. It merges reality with dystopian themes but somehow manages to feel authentic in its portrayal. It is a cyclical dance, which perhaps signified the monotony of our current world, but also how we as a society can band together to create a united front to face current political unrest.
Despite being such a politically heavy-driven piece, it remains positive in its message of queer power and potential. The uncomfortable, screeching music to accompany ensures it remains a focused dance, whilst slowly moving through to a united dance that is immensely beautiful.
Maiya Leeke - To Loss and Hope
Northern born choreographer Maiya Leeke has found power in her disability, by using her experiences to create magical storytelling through dance. Originally a musician, as both a classical flautist and jazz saxophonist, have enabled her to appreciate and in turn portray the ‘interweaving exchange between musicality, function of her wheelchair and artistic elegance’.
To Loss and Hope explores the contrasts between light and dark, and although one is seen as better than the other, than in fact the dark can be as equally profound and impactful as light. It is a movement of hope, and how if one finds themselves in the dark, they can emerge once again, by finding glimmers of light amongst the darkness.
The work rather gorgeously uses rippling sheer fabrics to drapes the dancer’s bodies, which creates a soft, ethereal aura to the movement. The fabrics then fall away from the bodies, as the piece details the importance of letting go and moving forwards.
It was especially lovely to see so many dancers of different abilities in this piece; showing how easy and important it is to diversify theatre at all levels. It was a truly special piece to see.
Elisabeth Mulenga - Christ Alone
Mulenga hails from London, where she works as a choreographer and performer. Her practice is ‘dedicated to creating evocative atmospheres that express the extremities and nuances of live experiences’. Having won awards through the BBC Young Dancer programme in 2022, her works continue to embark on journeys of storytelling with honesty and contradicting narratives.
Having grown up around pentecostal christianity, Christ Alone serves to examine the consumption of the mind from a possessive relationship with God. it eerily portrays how easily the mind can be distorted and absorbed by religious beliefs. The work plays on motifs of Pentecostal churches to create an uncomfortably beautiful piece which expresses all aspects of religious obsession in an adolescent’s life. Mulenga has created something truly thought provoking with this piece, one which will intrigue many audiences and leave them discussing it for a very long time.
Blue Makwana - Toasted
Makwana’s primary focus in her work is to celebrate her dancers, play into their strengths and highlight their talents. Her goal is to ‘make work that is entertaining and continuously evolving’.
Toasted is a high energy, dynamic piece, one which grips the audience’s attention from the very first beat. Its energy remains throughout and has wonderful storytelling without forcing the audience to view it in a specific way. The dancers are exceptionally talented and Makwana excellently showcases their abilities, mixing both solo and troupe style choreography. It feels a strong, united performance; filled to the brim with energy, levels and colour.
Not only was the trip to Sadler’s Wells enjoyable for the talent on stage, it was truly special to see the audience full of supporters and champions of both the Young Associates programme and its rising stars. It was a lovely community to be amongst for the evening and showed the power and importance of such schemes.
The Young Associates programme is turning out remarkable work, and I can’t wait to see what’s next for these young stars, and for the next four to enter its doors.
