Mere Mortals, EIF dance & physical theatre review: 'a stunning ensemble'
The San Francisco Ballet delivered an EIF performance so visually arresting it was impossible to forget, writes Kelly Apter.
Mere Mortals ★★★★★
Edinburgh Playhouse until 30 August
Like a herd barreling over a dusty plain suddenly coming into view, the dancers of San Francisco Ballet appear out of the darkness. Propelled forwards as one breathtaking, slightly menacing throng they move in perfect unison, large dark overcoats robbing them of individuality.
It’s not quite the opener (that came moments earlier in the form of a haze-enveloped solo), but this scene quickly sets Mere Mortals out as a work so visually arresting, you’ll never forget it.
Canadian choreographer Aszure Barton used the Greek myth of Pandora’s box as her starting point, and there are parallels to be drawn between that container and Barton’s imagination. Nobody could predict what the box would contain, and Barton’s ability to constantly surprise brings countless rewards.
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With an ensemble of 40 dancers to play with, she creates one imposing swarm after another. Bodies intersect with such precision it’s as if they’ve been programmed, then huddle together like a tight circle of arctic penguins, or layer themselves on the ground, allowing a single dancer to emerge statuesque from the mass below.
Barton is far from the only talent searing this remarkable work onto our memory, however. Playing live electronics alongside the ever-wonderful Royal Scottish National Orchestra, composer Sam Shepherd (aka Floating Points) delivers a thunderous score dripping in drama.
Plaudits go to costume designer, Michelle Jank who gradually strips back the dancers’ apparel, transforming them into AI-generated automatons. While Hamill Industries’ nature-inspired digital background hits our eyes with incredible swirling patterns and colours.
Carrying all of this, without ever putting a foot out of place or letting the sense of urgency drop, are the superb dancers of San Francisco Ballet. A stunning ensemble, and strong lead dancers playing Hope, Prometheus and Epimetheus all impress, but Jennifer Stahl as the bold yet beleaguered Pandora is truly sensational. Kelly Apter
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