“Memory of a Fall” at Spoleto Festival of Two Worlds
Annie Loui in Perugia, Italy
6 July 2024
A simple, full and oddly moving presentation took place in the Piazza del Duomo, Spoleto, during the Festival of Two Worlds.
Happening French choreographer Yoann Bourgeois, “dedicated to making art that is radically multi-disciplinary, physical and innovative”, lived up to his mission. In the shadow of the Duomo at twilight, with performing space oddly empty of action, a single light revealed a solo woman at a keyboard on the side of the stage, playing the meditative but insistent music of Hania Rani.
Rhythms developed in gentle layers, repetition building to a sonic climax. And as the intensity of sound retreated, we saw another light high above the stage floor and watched a woman step into a window. She stared out at us, and gently (without hurry) fell sideways from an impossible height in slow motion and then rolled out of the fall onto the stage floor before walking to a mirrored door, circling backwards.
The door slowly opened outwards and the performer stepped through the frame. Thus began the mystery of Memory of a Fall, a gentle physical exploration of suspension and gravity absorbed or deflected with grace and simplicity.
The fall and door opening sequence brought each of the 10 performers to the stage and introduced subsequent explorations of solo physical proficiency. Performers seemed touchingly young and vulnerable in each brave attempt to defy personal gravity in an undefinable mix of gymnastic yoga and acrobatic control. The curved back wall of the stage is eventually revealed but does not destroy the wonder of the experience.
The set is integral to the performance, and performers melt into the floor and disappear, tilt and fall in slow motion or spin while otherwise standing still. The simple practical magic of a spinning turntable enables play reminiscent of a serious group of children on a merry-go-round at the park: the person centre is immobile but revolving, and the people on the outside of the disc are running in opposition just to stay in place.
Velocity is pitted against centrifugal force in a coordinated group effort. The gentle drive of Rani’s music underscores every segment of the exploration. The enveloping soundscape and the flowing costumes in muted shades of aquamarine, russet and golden yellow contribute to a sense of individuality and to group endeavour.
This is dance that does not highlight athletic bodies moving rhythmically through space or romantic duets, but instead emphasizes fluidity and recapturing of balance and group effort. This was a well-constructed work that left the audience charmed and enchanted by the practical magic explored by Bourgeois and Rani. Although I cannot remember how it ended, I was aware that the build and reveal of each new moment was masterfully done with a skill that combined showmanship and a Zen-like calm. The evening invited the viewer to release into the performance knowing you were in safe hands. Afterwards a small child climbed onto the stage attempting to slide and fall like the dancers. I wanted to join her.
