| Memoirs Of Active Service |
| Written by Olive Ann Walden & Sian Rafferty | |||
| Friday, 03 July 2009 23:51 | |||
The production was preceded by a short 1950’s dance work, with a cheeky singer, and some hip-swinging teens. But; this jovial scene did not last long as we were gradually marched to the battle-front and into the war, against Hitler. The poignant, fluid performance tells a simple story with such passion and honesty, that one is drawn into the lives of three soldiers and the women they left behind. The talented dancers worked together seamlessly, albeit a little rough around the edges. However, this added to the rich character of the production. Had the routine been faultless and mechanical, the characters would not have been as warm, realistic and likable as they were. The womens role in the war and the transformation of their lives back home, was not greatly emphasized. However, there was one comedic piece on the women’s war effort which was one of the highlights of the show. The inspired choreography (by Maaka Pepene) incorporated moments of dancing in-sync, with moments out-of-sync; creating a harmonious commotion. The strongest point of the choreography was the repetition of key movements to convey the different scenes. The dance would fluidly transform from light-hearted boyish play-fighting, to the serious combat of real men and finally, to a lingering and tearing dance of mourning. The interpretive nature of the dance allowed the audience to construct the story for themselves, while ensuring that the underlying feelings of love, camaraderie, kinship and loss were clearly communicated. 'Memoirs Of Active Service' was brought together with mood-setting music, video projection and narration. The music was a combination of 40's classics with more traditional Maori pieces, exuding a contemporary, unique NZ vibe. From the lively and playful opening act, to the powerful and heavy final scene... One leaves the theatre having been on a journey; a fateful reminder of the bravery, kinship and sacrifice of the men and woman of an era long gone. Memoirs Of Active Service plays: Hamilton Telecom Playhouse Wel Energy Trust Academy of Performing Arts 2-4 July 8PM Orewa, Auckland Centrestage 6 – 8 August 8PM 9 August 4PM Gisborne Lawson Field Theatre 14 August 8PM Browns Bay, Auckland Jonmer Theatre | Corelli School 20 – 22 August 8PM 23 August 4PM |
