Momentary Fusion, Stung

Review in Issue 8-3 | Autumn 1996

Momentary Fusion are renowned for transforming performance spaces with the athleticism, beauty and dramatic intensity of their brand of aerial dance theatre. However, this was not made manifest in their latest piece at Jacksons Lane. Exploring ‘human solitude and fear, and the emotional results of such experiences', the company's main difficulties came when using both the floor and the suspended ropes in their group choreography. Had the space been larger the effect could have been quite breathtaking. The simple opening image of a lone figure performing a series of pained movements on a metal construction suspended from the rig worked more successfully.

The introduction of a live drummer was well integrated and the choreography complimented the percussion to good effect. Equally, the closing sequence with two performers suspended from a trapeze, relying solely on trust and the other's strength created some powerful imagery. For perhaps the first time in the show one could fully appreciate the company's intention to depict the fear that arises from the threat of being alone. Nothing in the performer's movements was left to the imagination as their voices and the creaking of the ropes that supported them was amplified through radio mics. Although the close proximity of the audience at Jacksons Lane and the subsequent intimacy could have been used to greater effect, it is well worth seeing this company's work.

Presenting Artists
Presenting Venue
Date Seen
  1. Jun 1996

This article in the magazine

Issue 8-3
p. 18