Lobsters a rare delicacy
Lobsters, devised and choreographed by Lucy Marinkovich, co-directed by Lucy Marinkovich and Miranda Manasiadis, musical director Lucien Johnson, Circa Theatre till November 4. The term surrealism is very loosely attributed to the artworks of early 20-century painters such as Salvador Dali and Rene Magritte.
Looking for the unknown, the hidden, seeing behind the meaning of what’s not there are all aspects of this type of work.
This can also be applied to many pieces of surreal or abstract theatre or dance and Circa’s current production of Lobsters isa wonderful example of abstraction as a form of dance/drama.
The work is devised and choreographed by Lucy Marinkovich, with Miranda Manasiadis creating the text and, together, these two also direct the piece. Musical direction is by Lucien Johnson.
This amazing production team have, along with three dancers, Lucy Marinkovich, Emmanuel Reynaud and Matthew Moore, and actress Carmel McGlone, created an incredibly innovative and original piece of performance art.
The title comes from Salvador Dali’s well-known objet d’art Lobster Telephone (or Aphrodisiac Telephone) and in this production the lobster is Mimi, McGlone, who gives a mesmerising performance, in a wonderfully seductive red dress, as she acts, sings and dances around the stage, even playing the piano on a few occasions.
Around her, Marinkovich, Reynaud and Moore dance with electrifying energy and precision, providing amazing images of seduction, love, longing and loneliness.
Creating visual images is everything in a show like this and the physicality of the performers provides these in abundance.
Many are symbolic, with some recognisable, such as Magritte’s The Pilgrim (a hat on a faceless body) but, for the most part, you should just sit back and drink in a feast of visual artistry from a group of very talented performers, assisted by a highly creative production team.
And mention must also be made of Lucien Johnson’s amazing versatility as the onstage musician.
While some of the music is recorded, much is provided by Johnson on piano and saxophone, adding a jazz-type cabaret atmosphere to the whole production that only enhances this must-see show. – Ewen Coleman