A Life On The Silk Road

Zoo Southside (Venue 82)

They walk, tired, trudging through the ever-changing landscape, as the elements around them build. Dwarfed by their shadows, the dancers’ simple movements chart a journey: that of explorer Zhang Qian, over 2000 years ago, along what become China’s Silk Road trade route.

Minimalistic music adds to the initial tranquillity, along with the serene scenery, projected on the wall, and slow, repeated movements. Created by the National Theatre of China, this is a piece that travels at its own pace, and there’s an ancient, ritualistic feel to the way the company carry out their structured steps. At times it can feel like the only thing happening is the weather, which builds up in various ways, from the heat of the sun to a chilling blizzard. Occasional interjections of contemporary dance permeate the more conventional movement sequences, but the elongated focus on atmosphere over specific characters can feel overly indulged.

The choreography would benefit from greater differentiation over a shorter period of time to stop the journey becoming one homogenous mass of familiar movement sequences, but at its best the piece offers thoughtful and quietly moving calm.

Run ended.