SYDNEY DANCE IN SOMOS - THRILLING
The world premiere of Rafael Bonachela’s SOMOS , meaning ‘ We Are’ in Spanish , is a most stunning production . It is captivating and thoughtful , drawing on Bonachela’s Spanish background . SOMOS is profound and revealing .The atmospheric set ,with a mirror floored rostrum,( a Kelsey Lee design) with the audience seated on all four sides ,consists of diaphanous ,soft red strips . Eventually the strips rise. With lighting by Damien Cooper, at times there are sudden blinding flashes and theatrical haze .The music , coordinated by Nick Wales, consists of a dozen songs from five of Bonachela’s favourite composers - Silvia Perez Cruz, Chavela Vargas,Estrella Morente and Rosalia that blend bolero ,Flamenco and rich ,luscious vocals as well as astringent mechanized street sounds . Bonachela’s choreography , showing off his integral style , is slinky, slithery, fast paced and very energetic. We are so close to the barefoot dancers , who seem effortlessly boneless ,we can see ...