Scintillating. Dua Space continues to thrill with its latest
presentation Ancient Inscriptions choreographed
by Anthony Meh and Aman Yap. Its was an evening of precision and
power , of rhythm and flow of movement, of contemplation and meditation and
breathless exhilaration.
The internal dynamics of the scholar meet the external
energy of the dancer. In bringing
the calligraphic virtuosity of the master calligraphers and the
trained body of the modern dancers, an entertaining cultural fusion of an
ancient art form and a contemporary movement is realized.
The delights are manifold especially in the section on Han
Calligraphy. Was it the venerable
ancient inscriptions bathing on the playfully responsive dancers or was it the
dancers thoughtfully weaving their way through the presence of erudite scripts?
Most absorbingly delicate was the moment when script and dancer were at one
responding to each other. We stopped
seeing. We were at one in the moment. A suspended epiphany.
The pulsating rhythms of sounds was sometimes full of high
octane energy, coupled with over exuberant visuals especially in the opening
number Jia-Gu Wen which did not sit well
with yours truly. The tribal character of the warring states did not always
manifest itself in the body movements of the dancers. When sound and rhythm worked, the evening was
suffused with magic.
Outstanding was Aman Yap, lead dancer. His body extensions and magnetic presence
commanded attention.
The other dancers complemented with their exuberance and
spiritedness.
In the last chapter, in honouring renowned local calligrapher, Sim Mow Yu, the employment of the cane and extended silence, held yours truly spellbound especially in the section of the five elements. The rhythm of movement with continual flowing lines
expressed constant change as the only constant.
Dua
Space’s Ancient Inscription is an
inspiring piece in which the fecundity of
the
mind of the ancients inspires the restless creative spirit of to-day’s mind
to reveal
the Power of the Imagination.
Chin
San Sooi
