Emus On Stage

Danish dance company Himherandit Productions brought their dance Mass Effect to Sydney Fringe and what a performance it was! Andreas Constantinou choreographed a thrilling performance fusing comedy, movement and a capella. The dance highlighted the intimacy of exhaustion and the positive effect that community support has. It works with creating a phenomenon called ‘second wind’. An experience that can happen when a long distance athlete gets a resurgence of energy following complete exhaustion. 

Dancers dressed in sneakers and athletic wear, I felt as though I was about to watch an 80’s aerobics dance crossed with an F45 class. It was energetic, enthusiastic and full of spirit. Instead of music, Constantinou cleverly incorporated complex musical rhythms through jogging and moving. As the dancers jog around the space, they create different formations, similar to a peloton of cyclists taking turns to lead. The dancers surrender themselves to the human side of performance intertwining natural human moments like breathing, sighing and squeaky shoes creating an interesting overlay to the sounds of footsteps.

Each dancer embarks on their own stride around the stage before hyping up another dancer in the peloton. The old dancer passes on the baton for the new dancer to run solo. Each dancer’s personality is shown through their reactions to the exercise, the audience and each other. One of the male dancers becomes recognisable for lapping up his solo time in front of the audience. He perfects his running stride, smiles directly at us and shows us how good he is. There is light competition between the dancers: cutting off another dancer jogging in a line, posing with hands on hips fighting over whose arm goes in front and who’s the most into the exercise.

As the dancers moved through the physical exhaustion, they stripped clothing until there was nothing left, alluding to the intimacy of community during physical exhaustion. It was quite emotional to be allowed in such an intimate and vulnerable space. While it was an effective choice, it’s always quite confronting to see nudity on stage. The sense of suspended disbelief was lost and all I could think of was willies doing windmills. However, I believe Constantinou intentionally used nudity to evoke thoughts similar to mine. It highlighted the confrontation of vulnerability, the sister to intimacy. 

Mass Effect was completely aware of the audience in front of them. It was a lovely choice that supported the themes of physical exertion and community. For the last 15 minutes of the dance, 20 local dancers emerge from the audience joining the 5 already existing dancers. They add consistent rhythms, giving support and encouragement for the dancers to break through the second wind. It felt like the supporters on the sidelines of a race cheering for you to finish.

I loved Constantinou’s work. I would absolutely see another show of his. His work was interesting, creative and funny. I love seeing meaningful work that leaves me feeling good. Mass Effect was different to the traditional dances I watch and it was clear that everything was implemented by Constantinou as a story telling device. I also give huge credit to all the dancers for their endurance and skill and for their ability to perform nude. It’s definitely a show to watch should you get the time.

RATING 

Performers Skill 4 / 5

Stage and Atmosphere 4 / 5

Value for Money PAID $38  4 / 5

Entertainment value 4 / 5

BONUS POINTS

Independent artist +1

17 / 20