FringeReview Scotland 2024
WHAKAPAPA
Jolt, presented as part of Gathered Together 24
Genre: Dance, Dance and Movement Theatre, Multimedia
Venue: Tramway Theatre
Festival: FringeReview Scotland
Low Down
A heady filmic and live exploration of New Zealand culture delivered in an exceptional way. This is focused and broad at the same time with so much within it that it explodes your understanding. With the mix of the two we get the beauty of the landscape and the joy of its movement in one short burst.
Review
Presented as a mixture of media and live dance this celebrates the beauty of expression and the abilities of our dancers to utter perfection. We begin with four dancers physically introducing themselves using dance moves to give us a hint of them. Spaced out in a number of chairs centre stage it feels like the best ever waiting room you could imagine, as they then individually take the stage to perform their own stories and pieces.
Live we have Jacob Levington, engaging, erudite and filled with the joy of movement. His use of the space is filled with the passion of his energy and to end with Scatman, showing such verve and beauty in each step and movement was filled with challenge. I watched and smiled at the comfort he exhibited in being so clearly in his happy place. When he talked about those in his family, it was a brilliant piece of storytelling; structured in such a way that movement remained part of it and enhanced the narrative. Loved it.
Lachlan Oakes then developed us more with his softer sounding voice but his equally physical presence. It was crafted so well, and the motif of the rope being used by each of our live dancers worked so well. By the end of this section I was truly feeling like we were all taking flight.
And then came the physical presence of Jokani Coe. With the costume we associate with New Zealand and moves performed with such grace and charm, it moved from where I thought I might be into the realm of being taken beyond the expected. I was into the place where I could put down my pen, and just enjoy.
And the final live piece was from Joel Forman. Right before it was due to begin, he looked directly at us with a look. It was challenge and it was secure, and it was poised and graceful but menacing. His movement and his story after he began was spellbinding. It capped what was a performance of exquisite dance that thrived on creativity. But what a positive and beautiful story – it was so brilliantly exposed to us.
The use of film throughout was an incredible addition. From Robert’s opening presence on camera, to the Tree with Jonathan Bennett and finally Joel Forman introducing the work he does as a teacher in a place that looks much like parts of Scotland. This pitched the entire experience in a place which was an incredible experience.
Jolt take huge credit for once again, showing us Scots that internationally there are pieces of work we need to take inspiration from. Gathered Together take credit for that too but this was not a teaching moment. This was not an opportunity for us to marvel and coo and aah at what we saw. This was a moment to celebrate the culture of inclusion and the believable creativity, because the unbelievable would be to not invite Jolt back so we can engage and develop and learn and influence in return.
