Amplification
BalletLab
The Malthouse Theatre
March 22 – March 26
Tickets: $21-$49 (+ bf)
malthousetheatre.com.au
When Philip Adams’ BalletLab launched itself with Amplification back in 1999, the dance world were left open-mouthed. Adams is a man with something to say and he isn’t about to say it quietly.
With the premise of Amplification based around the 1.6 seconds after the impact of a car crash, the piece travels from its original point through an array of dark, challenging material before closing with a pile of bodies reminiscent of the concentration camps.
With live turntablist, Lynton Carr, providing a cataclysm of sounds before the action commences, it is immediately apparent to an audience member that Amplification is not going to be a pretty and light watch. From the get go, Adams sets out to challenge and inform with his beyond comprehensive choreography to align.
It would be hard to talk about Amplification without pouring praise upon everyone involved. Adams, at the helm, has created a piece of contemporary dance that raised the bar, and still leads the way, when it comes to concept choreography. Far from being just another dance piece, Amplification is theatre at its finest. The aforementioned Carr has scored the piece wonderfully and is unafraid of silence, realising as a musician that sometimes nothing is more powerful than nothing. With Bluebottle’s sparse set and skilled lighting design, shadows serve only to enhance the scene. A white box is imposing, but, especially at the darkest hour, nothing is more unsettling than a shadow.
Timothy Harvey, Rennie McDougall, Carlee Mellow, Brooke Stamp and Joanne White all shine in equal measure. Proving that trust is implicit for a performer, they give control of their bodies willingly to their co-stars yet equally impress with their slick, styled moves.
Though hard to digest, Amplification is a must-see. You may well leave with a mixed emotion, part of you wanting more and the other needing less, but regardless, go see the piece and talk it through with anyone who will listen.
