Jo Turbitt find's the production full of unfulfilled potential.
The idea behind "Miranda" is a strong concept, but the kinks and creases of the production got in the way of it being portrayed to its fullest potential.
There were moments where they got it right, but mainly the show is a predictable and monotonous piece of dance theatre which contained too many steps with no logical blend into the atmosphere or intention of the work. Structurally, the piece didn't flow; it could have been sewn together with less empty moments and a lot less curtain pulling, which became a predictable characteristic of the show: a section finishes, pull the curtain... The choreography felt disjointed and confused, littered with far too many "steps" to blend with the physical representation of emotion that the dancers were bringing to the show. Far too often, it felt like the moments were interrupted by the leaps, the dive rolls to the floor and the piqué pas de bourrées, etc... The more abstract movement worked and the character of Miranda was well-performed by Llyod-Jones. She was completely engrossed in the performance and intention of the piece (given that she directed and choreographed it, you'd expect it), but the other two dancers lacked her presence, even in the softer moments.
The set design gave the impression of a penthouse apartment, which is a good backdrop for the story. However, I wanted it to be used in a more creative way. The angst and frustration coming out of the performers’ gestures cried out for an opportunity to tear up the set, be destructive and have a complete blow out. Llyod-Jones's work has whispers of classical form running through it, but it lacks an energy and substance of dance theatre which is needed to pull the story. The use of lighting could have contributed to the impact of the work’s intentions if used in a more abstract way; the scene with the torch was interesting, but again ever so slightly predictable in how they used it.
The evening for me was like eating a plate of food with some flavours which really hit the spot, yet in amongst them were burnt flavours, textures that were raw and combinations which really didn't complement each other, thus spoiling the experience.
The tour of Miranda has completed.
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