Peoples Republic of South Devon

Dance review (as the Mother of a Brown Boy)

May 25th, 2008

Today is a day of dance on the PRSD and we can catch up on some of the dance coverage provided by the Young Dance Reviewers, an opportunity made available by a collaboration between Dance in Devon and Exeter Northcott

- As the Mother of a Brown boy – Chickenshed Dance Company at  Exeter Northcott, 10/05/2008
by Emma Pendle

The lights dimmed and the audience’s voices hushed. A figure walked onto the stage and began to speak. A police interview, how did her mixed-race son die? And why? All of these questions were to be answered throughout this dramatic and emotional piece.Another character joined her on the stage as a voice over of the mother reminiscing of her love for her child played. It was the father; they danced together in each other’s arms, soft and lovingly with gentle contact moments. The lighting was soft and warm, reflecting their love for one another.

A swarm of other dancers then entered the space with the boy, the main character; they began an upbeat unison phrase, with grounded movements and strong shapes. In the centre at the back of the stage there were a number of blocks, the dancers broke away from the unison and began to dance with them, lifting them above themselves, then placing and climbing on top of the props. It was fast and exciting, a world away from the soft and flowing movements of the duet before.

It was a breathtaking and heart-warming performance filled with moments of love, worry, confusion and sadness as the story followed the life of a mix-raced child through the eyes of his mother. We saw how the child grew up to be a young man and all of the trials and challenging situation that he faced along the way; the unfairness of the bullying in the playground, the excitement of skipping school with his friends and falling in love, the worry and concern from the mother as she watched her child grow.

This mournful and gilt ridden performance was based on a true story, and this fact provoked a strong feeling of sympathy from the audience, with some people even crying towards the end of the piece. It definitely deserved the amazing response and standing ovation that it received from the crowd.

• Read the another review of As the mother of a brown boy… on the PRSD

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The Young Dance Reviewer opportunity is made possible by a unique collaboration between Dance in Devon and Exeter Northcott. Contact Katherine@danceindevon.org.uk for further details.

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Pennies appreciated

Entry Filed under: Arts