BLKDOG – Abbey Theatre – Review

As part of the Dublin Dance Festival

17 – 18 May 2024
Directed and Choreographed by Botis Seva

Mental health is one of the key issues of our times as people open up about their personal struggles. The world of Dance is no different as the Choreographer of the piece, Botis Seva, shows us his own battles with depression through his chosen medium of dance. What you see on stage is a bleak image of loneliness and isolation, as seven hooded figures slink through the half-light and battle with their inner demons. The performers on stage all wear similar clothing of grey hooded garments, like a typical suburban youth. They are individuals viewed with contempt and a degree of suspicion. They hang around street corners late at night causing people to cross the street, the idle youth that intimidates the older generation.

The lighting in the production is kept to a minimum, with spotlights from above and the occasional burst from the back of the stage. We see the shadowy figures when they move under the lights, but at other times they remain in shadow.

Botis Seva is a choreographer and director who combines hip hop, physical theatre and contemporary dance in his work. He was born and raised in London and is the founder of Far From The Norm, a dance company who are known for their immersive work. Botis is now in his mid-30s and is at the forefront of the vibrant London hip hop dance scene.

The soundtrack by composer Torben Sylvest features a variety of beats and electronic sounds but also several vocal recordings. A young child and the voice of a doctor (therapist) feature giving us brief insights into the world of our protagonists. We see the seven dancers move in harmony but at other times they ignore those around them and fight their own personal battles with frenetic motion and dance. There are impressive sequences where the dancers move close to the ground, squatting like cossacks and scurrying across the stage. At other times, they move on tiny bicycles reminiscent of clowns, but instead of being humorous, they give the impression of a threatening motive for their actions.

The Black Dog has long been associated with depression, dating back to 65 B.C., when the Roman poet Horace wrote of it as a symbol of his inner turmoil. This theme has continued through the centuries. This work creates its own vision of isolation and fear. It uses techniques similar to horror films to create an atmosphere of unease and anxiety. It’s a dark and sinister vision but impressively portrayed on stage.

Credits
Director: Botis Seva
Choreographer: Botis Seva
Music Composer: Torben Sylvest
Lighting Designer: Tom Visser
Costume Designer: Ryan Dawson-Laight
Far From The Norm Dance Artists: Jordan Douglas
Far From The Norm Dance Artists: Shangomola Edunjobi
Far From The Norm Dance Artists: Penelope Klamert
Far From The Norm Dance Artists: Larissa Koopman
Far From The Norm Dance Artists: Margaux Pourpoint
Far From The Norm Dance Artists: Rose Sall Sao
Far From The Norm Dance Artists: Joshua Shanny-Wynter
Far From The Norm Dance Artists: Naïma Souhaïr
Rehearsal Director: Victoria Shulungu
Executive Producer: Lee Griffiths
Senior Production Manager : Andy Downie
Production Manager & Relighter: Andrej Gubanov
Production Manager & Relighter: Chris Burr
Tour & Marketing Manager: Siân Gilling
Costume Makers: Jordan Goertz
Costume Makers: Julie Sayers
Costume Makers: Kelsey Vickery,
Costume Makers: Kingsley Hall
Costume Makers: Lou Petty
Mix Engineer: Pär Carlsson
Research & Development Rehearsal Director: Ekin Bernay
Contribution Artists: Charlotte Clark
Contribution Artists: Tyrone Isaac-Stuart
Contribution Artists: Joshua Nash
Contribution Artists: Isaac Ouro-Gnao
Contribution Artists: Ezra Owen
Contribution Artists: Savanah Anais Rowe
Contribution Artists: Hayleigh Sellors
Contribution Artists: Shiloh Seva
Contribution Artists: Clarissa Shulungu