Replica

A powerful exploration into relationships using creative devices other than storyline. An encapsulating performance that will delight dance lovers.

The formidable team behind the show is led by choreographer Stephanie Lake, in collaboration with dancers Christina Chan (Singapore) and Aymeric Bichon (France), with sound by Robin Fox, lighting by Bosco Shaw and costumes by Paula Lewis. The intimacy and respect shared among them was evident in the performance as well as in the Q&A session with Lake, Fox, Chan and Bichon that followed the performance I saw.

The outstanding choreography is executed to perfection by Chan and Bichon, their athletic bodies in a constant flux between a tug-of-war and moving as one. Chan’s petite stature becomes a feature of the choreography; at times being thrown around like a rag doll, then slotting into Bichon’s body like two pieces of a puzzle. Some moments of the show are different every night, Lake revealed to my surprise.

Every element of the show enhances the others, achieving the show’s aim to explore symbiosis. The original score ranges from staccato to meditative and is a highlight of the performance. Shaw’s dramatic lighting design provides a multitude of moods throughout the show. The costumes I found displeasing at first, but was I pleasantly surprised how they too changed with different lighting.

With all these fantastic components in place, the lack of storyline is not missed. There is enough complexity to the work to make the mind reflect or create its own storyline. It is creativity in its most pure, unhindered form.

It was my first encounter with choreographer Stephanie Lake’s work. I will certainly seek to see more. The depth of her creativity is on-par with Graeme Murphy, I would love to see what she could do with a larger company of dancers.

This work has been several years in the making, it was certainly worth the wait and something no contemporary dance fan would want to miss!

Sophia Dickinson