Words: Jacqueline Ross
Image: Blackgate Media

4 Stars

A bare neutral open space is presented with only some white bricks and metal balls in situ. From behind three of the brick walls, three humans slowly emerge as though evolution is taking place. Naked, exploratory and searching for themselves in their space. 

Inspired by the walls of Rome and the symbolic myth of Romulus and Remus, the piece centres around walls and their meaning as obstacles, divisions and human barriers. Shadow backdrops create an enormity of meaning and instrumental beats and sounds including those echoing birdsong, waves and a heartbeat in the womb add to the intensity. Occasionally the brick walls illuminate with colour hues of emotion. They build and isolate. 

The dancers are sublime. Merging, separating and displaying their inner voice and struggles between them. At times aggressive and destructive, at times intertwined and cradling, at times breaking away and seeking freedom. All three portray each scene brilliantly transfixing the audience. The male roles reflecting Romulus and Remus with an inner conflict.  

Inlet is a thing of beauty. It is raw and exposing of human nature and that which confines us. Dancers Francesco Ferrari, Ana F. Melero and Michele Scappa combine their physicality and grace with the harsh solidity and corners of the walls to produce a memorable piece.  

Inlet
DB1 at Assembly at Dance Base
17:30
15-23 Aug (not 18, 19)