FringeReview Scotland 2026
Dualism
Marios Ento-Engkolo
Genre: Dance and Movement Theatre, Physical Theatre
Venue: Tramway Theatre, part of the Buzzcut Festival 2026
Festival: FringeReview Scotland
Low Down
As a queer mixed-race person in polarised Greece, Ento-Engkolo has brought a three-year theatrical exploration to exquisite fruition. Through a great deal of therapy and self-care, he has explored the memories that his body has had over his trauma, developing himself within the context of his community. That community is both the community that he belongs to and finds his tune with, but also the wider community that has often not accepted him.
Review
As a piece of performance, this was stunning, with much to love and adore about it. I was captivated from the beginning where lighting masked the pillars upon which sat two squat statues. Ento-Engkolo appeared from out of smoke and nowhere, dramatically introducing the rhythmic pattern of his movement. Using African diaspora dance was well imagined. His movement alongside choral live music and vocals from Evie Rogkoti which was equally stunning.
Dualism suggests Greek ideals, but wrapped in Afrobeats, rhythm and movement with hints of so much more – hip hop, contemporary and experimental dance styles.
It was the technical effects within such a small space which truly mesmerised. The use of lighting with colour streamed was dramatic, poised, graceful, challenging, and moving, because the combination of the movement and the connection between the two performers, simply blended into a theatrical powerhouse.
Whilst the choreography and direction heightened the appreciation of Dualism above that which would entertain but into challenge, it was the soundscape that held you. I could discern influences, hints and blends. There were Greek folk, Afrobeat and modern connections which spoke of collaboration. The level of that collaboration with a significant list of people involved in giving the movement musical notes is impressive. There were names I recognised and many I did not. It reminded me of the true blend of experiences within this city and this country. Ento-Engkolo is Glasgow based and we enhance ourselves by having such diversity amongst us. I did not leave humming a simple tune, but left feeling that we had seen what true investment returns artistically.
Much of that was also brought by such incredible costume from a wardrobe designed by Zephyr Liddell made by Catriona Charlton with Jeanne-Marie Fraser providing original design.
Dualism challenges the idea of binary, asks us to explore beyond the hard and soft, the good and evil, and I suppose embrace more than the us and them. Unity, not as a theory nor as a concept, is explored, but we have something more, and that is what brings us to contemplate art as a force: not just to entertain but to question, explore and challenge us. Ento-Engkolo has created a piece of a time and a value that places our connection above question and makes the case that we have much more within us that can conquer the forces that threaten outwith us.
