• Advertise
  • Request Review
  • Write for Us
  • Privacy
  • Login

Theatre Bubble

The UK Theatre Network

Privacy & Cookies: This site uses cookies. By continuing to use this website, you agree to their use.
To find out more, including how to control cookies, see here: Cookie Policy
  • Reviews
  • News
  • Features
  • Spotlight
  • Opinions
  • Interviews
  • Guides
  • Tickets

EdFringe 2017 – Wind-Up at Zoo

August 19, 2017 by Maggie Kelly Leave a Comment

Review of: Wind-Up
Price:
£8-£12

Reviewed by: Maggie Kelly
Rating:
3
On August 19, 2017
Last modified:August 17, 2018

Summary:

Interesting but slightly thematicly loose dance piece

More Details

Wind-Up marks yet another of Zoo’s international forays, 420PEOPLE joining the Czech showcase with a dance piece rather loosely based on the concept of ‘energy’. The physicality of the performers is breathtaking, all six weaving and tumbling into some of the most awe-inspiring positions; however, the looseness of the theme seems to raise more questions than it is actually prepared to give us answers to.

The performers themselves are stunning, combining passion with a joyful humour that lightens the piece when most necessary. Wooden pallets are creatively integrated into the show, and sound and lighting design are both excellently constructed, adding to the movements but never overshadowing. One scene in particular, where the light managed to leech all colour from the stage, leaving a variety of sepia tones, was especially stunning.

However, there are some moment that might well be contributing to the theme, but don’t necessarily slot into the piece’s formation in a way that makes a message clear to the audience – a hangover from the choice of subject, I would suggest. Basing something on ‘energy’s accumulation and explosion’ seems hugely vague and thereby rather safe – one could quite easily blanket this description on most dance shows and rest assured that the audience comes out none the wiser.

I enjoyed the play of space within the venue – writing bodies grasping each other by the leg or hand were reminiscent of molecular attachments, contrasted with moments where the dancers performed individually around the space. Breaking bonds? The issue with this ‘energy’ description is that I have absolutely no idea whether I am saying anything remotely true or intelligent or whether I’m just bullshitting for the sake of it. Were these things planned or have I just imposed my own (rather substandard) interpretation on it? I am not against leaving a piece up to the audience for interpretation, however I do believe that a line must be drawn somewhere. I left Wind-Up suitably impressed but nonetheless rather confused as to what I was meant to take from the afternoon.

Author: Maggie Kelly

Filed Under: Review Tagged With: Edinburgh Fringe 2017

Join the discussion Cancel reply

INTERVIEW / Davinia Hamilton on Blanket Ban

Following its hit run at Edinburgh Festival Fringe, theatre makers and activists Davinia Hamilton and Marta Vella bring their rallying [Read More]

INTERVIEW / Richard Vergette on Leaving Vietnam

We spoke to Richard Vergette, writer and performer of Leaving Vietnam. Richard plays a war veteran who feels ignored and [Read More]

Review / The Journey To Venice at the Finborough Theatre

Bjorg Vik’s play The Journey To Venice is a delightful production, entertaining yet full of pathos. A play with a [Read More]

INTERVIEW / Tzarini Meyler talks KITES at VAULT Festival

We spoke to Artistic Director of LipZinc Theatre, writer and performer Tzarini Meyler about her upcoming show at VAULT Festival [Read More]

INTERVIEW / Naomi Westerman talks BATMAN (aka Naomi’s Death Show)

We spoke to writer and performer Naomi Westerman from Little But Fierce about her upcoming show at VAULT Festival Can [Read More]

Top Posts & Pages

  • 5 Stage Elements to Consider for a Rousing Theatrical Production
  • Hang at The Royal Court
  • Angharad Jones on The Swearing Jar 
  • The Further Adventures of the Owl and the Pussycat
  • Tim Edge talks Under the Black Rock
  • The Donmar Warehouse's Julius Caesar at the King's Cross Theatre
  • Breach Theatre
  • 10 Tips to Help You Prepare for Your Reality TV Auditions
  • Ben Lloyd-Hughes in Kiss Me
  • Katy Owen: How to Apply to Drama Schools*
  • Maggie Kelly
    Author

  • August 19th, 2017
  • comment iconNo Comments
  • FacebookTweetLinkedInEmail

    Newsletter

    Enjoyed what you've read? Get even more great content directly to your inbox - Completely Free

    About Theatre Bubble

    Theatre Bubble is the news, review and blogging site created by Blue Pie Media and run by a dedicated team of outstanding editors and writers: we're always looking for new contributors - to find out more click here.

    Contact Us

    News: news@theatrebubble.com
    Reviews: reviews@theatrebubble.com
    Website: webmaster@theatrebubble.com

    Privacy Policy

    Copyright © 2023 · Blue Pie Media

     

    Loading Comments...
     

      Share this ArticleLike this article? Email it to a friend!

      Email sent!