End of Time Chimes

Press, 7 March 1984, Page 4

End of Time Chimes

“EMbf Time Chimes," by Jamie . Bull, Michael Smither, dancers of The Moving Company, and local mnsWsnt Performed at the Gnat Hall, Arts Centre, March 6 to 10. Running time 8 p.m. to 9 pin. Reviewed by Julie KlaasTop marks to the Christchurch Festival for commissioning this work, the joint creation of the above artists. ■- ' It is a stunning visual experience, slides are.projected on to screens to the rear and sides of the performing area and dance movement is superimposed. The theme of the work is topical, juxtaposing the beauty and logic of Nature with the discarding and dangers introduced by the huinan race. In 20 musical pieces we are brought from life’s beginnings to the possible' destruction of the

world. i The common factor is energy. As the slides change from flowers, bush, and bark to Spectrographs, and

black and white geometric patterns, the dancers swirl, twitch, or spin in and out of control Natural swaying movements in Nature make mockery of the ugly puppet movements of humans. There are some brilliant sequences. The second piece, “Bullfrog,” is aptly depicted by repulsive convulsions and excellently performed. Similarly the amusing "Mad Tutu Dance” and flat-footed ballroom dancing in “Last Foxtrot.” In the more loosely constructed dances there were some problems of co-ordina-tion and unison movements. Most fascinating however, was the effect of silhouette in the sequences with geometric patterns. Here, the bodies of the dancers, disappeared, and living spirals, triangles, circles, and stripes darted to and fro in ever changing combinations. At one point two skipping ropes nearly upstaged the dancers in a sequence which deservedly received an ovation.

Live music accompanies the performance, richly adding to the atmosphere. The bulk of this is written for two pianos, usually rippling in the upper registers. Although well suited to the movements the music becomes rather tiring without bass support. It is a refreshing relief when the percussion and backing instruments join in. Characterisation of scenes is excellent with the climactic “Chimes for the Ehd of Times” needing no further explanation. Songs are interspersed with duo vocalists. It was a pity that the message contained in the lyrics did not always come through to the audience especially in the closing lullaby “All the Rainbows,” when all movement on stage was frozen. Unreservedly this work must be seen. Those who have followed the development of Smither and Bull will know what to expect; those who haven’t should