Catch 22

Catch 22 is a new contemporary dance piece that explores climate change. Drawing on a variety of influences, including the art of M.C. Escher, the catch 22 of the title explores the artists’ dilemma about climate change – “art can’t exist if the earth dies, but perhaps there’s no point in the earth surviving if we can’t create art”.

Amelia Sagrabb’s interesting choreography is performed by four very talented dancers, Francesca Fenton, Montserrat Heras, Georgia Schijf and Luci Young. Clad identically in black and wearing identical hairstyles, the four move with excellent timing and notable synchronisation to an impressive soundtrack by Peter McAvan.

Dramatically lit, with low light by Matthew Erren, the set consists of three different sized staircases moved around the space by the performers, who interact with the stairs in more ways than you would think are possible – although they are sometimes hard to see from the back rows, when working on the floor.

While I am not sure that the message is completely clear without program notes, the piece is interesting and the performers very skilled. Catch 22 is sure to be appreciated by fans of contemporary dance theatre.

Kimberley Shaw