Review: JAZZ CONVERSATIONS, The Place London
Body of People Jazz Theatre Company, or BOP, have staged a new jazz dance theatre piece for two nights only at The Place in London, filled with all of the exciting, rhythmical highlights of the largely underrated genre to which they dedicate themselves. Continuing their commitment to exploring such lanes of creative inspiration as legacy, ecology and artistic development as well as historical, social and creative traditions in this appreciation of jazz and the great minds behind it, BOP absolutely succeed in their mission to enlighten, educate and entertain.
Perfectly titled Jazz Conversations, the show sees form and theme flow and fuse in a fascinating space where dance works hand in hand with music, with various original compositions by Paul Jenkins scattered throughout. A guest appearance, impressive beyond their years, from young performers at Impact Dance, the award winning art-for-social-change organisation, opens the show. Whilst spacing could be improved, they showcase a pleasing fluid groove and a casual, almost improvised feel, typical of jazz music.
Born principally from the creative musings and stylings of Dollie Henry MBE, the first act – Footprints in Jazz – is arguably the conceptual side of the production, which lays out a clear journey of progression, that of jazz itself but also that of the human experience of which jazz, in all of its articulate qualities, helps to see us through empowering and, at times, overwhelming feeling. One particular standout is an emotional exploration of grief, danced beautifully by Valentina Dolci, who shows wonderful range as a dancer throughout the entire production. Experiences and emotions through dance and music. The root and essence of jazz.
We behold how music moves a person and people bring life to music and see the dancers become music itself. Bodies become instruments, breathing music in and out, taking isolated moments to shine, gradually harmonising in movement, punctuated by grounding repeated steps. As the cyclical nature finds itself in repetition, time goes on. We see change overcome people in beautiful, haunting ways. Although the show does not follow a narrative structure, we see a story become a journey as dancers share in the telling of it, learn and let new meanings take root, a true tapestry of life. This is how the human form takes on the organised chaos and free spirit of jazz. The jazz we may define by the snap of a finger or the shake of an open palm. This is how you find yourself seeing music as a moving thing and wondering how it has ever been any other way.
However, although there is great satisfaction in seeing your pre-conceived ideas actualised, this production goes a little deeper, to the actual conception, in fact. In a truly captivating first number, focusing on the foundation of creative aesthetics and expression in African culture that this art form we call jazz stems from, the charismatic Oraine Frater and Bafana Matea establish a stunning impression of strength, setting the bar for an impressive show to come, and the incredible Nafisah Baba takes her first steps into highlight status of a performance that consistently commands possession of your gaze. Drawing attention to the intertwined sense of culture and identity within this music unlocks a new level to the experience.
The second act dives into a tribute to Miles Davis, initiating a period of pure intimate reflection. Titled Touches of Miles, this section sees the introduction of the sensational live band. A fresh highlight of the second act comes in the form of a trio, featuring the fantastic Valentina Dolci, Alice Miano and Lara Renaud in a lean towards the commercial. The number draws laughter from the audience, uplifted by its abundance of flourish, attitude and fun, capturing the joy of dance and the wide capabilities of jazz as a genre.
The shining light in Jazz Conversations is the way the dancers interact with each other on stage. They move near effortlessly, with beautiful control, clearly creating the illusion of magnetic energy between them in impactful formations. Cinematic lighting and costumes, ranging from simple, sleek and modern with a pleasing pop of colour, unmistakable character work rooted in realism to feminine, flowing with an understated glamour, perfectly accentuate their style and feel of continuous, fluid motion. Unfortunately, across a show of breathtaking flexibility and extension, fluid transitions, complex technique and stunning shapes, certain pairings do demonstrate a certain wholesome romance for duet performances but chemistry was altogether lacking.
The night ultimately concludes with the most stripped-down number of the production, allowing dancer’s personalities to shine through and for the audience to see the completely unembellished Body of People. The pleasing sight of all involved taking the stage conjures the heartwarming quality of a family portrait, doing much to prove the magic of chosen family with a feeling of collaboration and support, and filling the venue with an aura of pride and inspiration, before returning you to the outside world fully energised.
A youthful energy of fun, passion and freedom to be shines from their grinning faces and the clear ease to the rhythm permeating their bodies. There is no sign of any shoulders unclenching or long breaths pushing through rounded lips, no long-awaited release, no relief of finally reaching a moment of relaxation. Because to them, as much as dance is a devotion, it is also just their way, to the point where the word performance doesn’t quite fit. They’re naturals. One wave of a standing ovation later, the stage lights fade on what can only be described as silhouettes of celebration, proving perfectly how jazz is, at its core, a celebratory art form.
Jazz Conversations is a masterclass in how jazz stylings can be used as abstract communication, cultivating connection, from pain, to community, to growth, ultimately reaching a refreshing place of unspoken understanding, with pockets of comedic connection to modern life. This expertly paced show builds brilliantly through artistic layers of dynamic choreography and atmosphere.
***** FIve stars
Reviewed by: Louisa Clarke
