Species - A Show That Will Move You
When I go to theatre I want a show to move me, and I liked the dance show Species by Seattle-based Sapience Dance Company because it did just that. Contemporary dancers Sarah Seder, Lilah Steece, Amy Weaner, Victoria Jacobs and Leslie Hubbard make up the young dynamic company and this original piece is an collective collaboration born out of a shorter piece they performed earlier in the year. Throughout the creative process Steece doubled as director, Weaner was on costumes and additional choreography was by Ariella Brown.
The company won me over right away with their opening solo. I thought it was creative and evoked a sense of magic. The magic of transformation in the theatre. Without spoiling anything, I’ll say it was simple, tongue in cheek and it peaked my anticipation. I sat back, relaxed and let them take me on a mythical, sometimes mysterious, sometimes funny journey through movement. Each dancer plays a unique and detailed character with precise and distinctive gestures. The show is made up of a series of vignette-like pieces, solos, duets and parts featuring the entire ensemble. Together they make up a rough narrative story. Some are passionate, some very funny and some reflective. I liked the variety.
The dancers use makeup and costumes creatively to express character, and sometimes costumes became set pieces which was really interesting. The contrast between fantastical makeup and over-the-top masks was great.
The music, by San Francisco’s DJ Dials, mixed by Nathan Seder was a blend of electronica, ambient sound and classical music. It served more as a soundscape than a traditional score for a dance performance and made the world the dancers were creating with their movement deeper and richer.
My only criticism is that on opening night the dancers seemed to be out of unison at times when it looked like they should have been together. I also thought that the characterizations of the masked people could have been more specific, particularly the old man, who seemed far too agile for his years. There were moments when the lifts and leg extensions didn't seem fully executed.
In my opinion this show is what the Fringe is all about: artists creating exciting original work and transforming a simple black studio with their passion, creativity and talent. It was soulful, and refreshing. I recommend it!