Into the Water – Smock Alley – Tiger Dublin Fringe Review

Dates Sep 18, 23, 24 @ 12:00 / Sep 17 – 18 @ 14:30 / Sep 19 @ 18:30 / Sep 24 @ 14:30
Tickets €12 / €10 conc. – Duration 55 mins

As you enter the theatre the two dancers are lying on the floor of the stage, bereft of life but wearing teddy bear heads! At the start of the production, one comes to life and goes to prod and nudge the other. They both quickly start to move and dispense with their bear heads to reveal the dancers underneath. The two dancers are trapped in a wasteland filled with unwanted junk, from old televisions to washing lines and everything in between. They start to move and dance as a way to communicate with each other.

This is a new all ages production which takes a light hearted and magical view of the world. It combines the talent of two ‘Riverdance alumni’ in Suzanne Cleary and Peter Harding. This is quite a different world they are exploring to their one time day job. It is a fun, low-fi vision of tricks and games between the two. The incorporation of Jonny Reed’s digital design makes the whole piece come to life, as the two characters explore their environment.

In some ways, this production is as much about music as it is about dance. The music used is quite refreshing and features a number of impressive dance and electronic bands. The name of the piece itself comes from ‘The Roadside’ by Tunng.  The two dancers use their feet and hands to create beats that add to the music. In one segment they even create their own music, with use of a loop station to add layers of percussion created with their hands, feet and some musical instruments found in their vicinity. This would serve as a great introduction for children to the world of dance but there is more than enough to keep adults entertained also.