Rating: ★★★ 1/2 (out of 4)
Harbourfront Centre’s World Stage brings to the forefront yet another brain teasing play to spark one’s imagination. The Dietrich Group brings back to the stage the triple Dora-Award-nominated Paris 1994/Gallery, a show that brings together the elements of a play and the art of dance. Choreographed & Directed by D.A. Hoskins and starring Danielle Baskerville & Tyler Glendhill, Paris 1994/Galleryis a creative presentation of memories and how they continuously evolve with time, change of perception and personal growth.
As you enter the rather intimate space that is the Enwave Theatre, you are greeted by this rather simple sight: A contemporary gallery-like setting, with a few random objects placed around the floor, paired with a white-wall backdrop. Seated front-center of the stage are the two performers, gazing at the audience with calm expressions, as if trying to study and understand the audience. You are immediately curious about their curiosity. Are you the object of attention for the evening? Are you the performers? Its a very insightful moment because for even a brief moment, you are given that rare opportunity to think and feel.
Dance is a wonderful art. It can be openly perceived by an individual based on his/her opinions, thoughts and emotions, providing a truly unique experience everytime. This is very much the same with Paris 1994/Gallery. You are presented with two human beings who are expressing themselves using the power of dance, who, as their performances unravel, slowly become an integral part of the gallery-like artistic environment. They become moving objects of attention, of focus – you are presented with live art that speaks to you with every movement.
What Paris 1994/Gallerydoes extremely well is tap into your imagination. It uses memories as a means to capture the happenings of life, piece by piece, and using love as a underlining theme. You are presented with two actors who portray two lovers and the various different moments in their lives that were special to them. The only difference is that you are presented in dance, giving the audience an opportunity to think and feel for themselves, which is truly a wonderful experience. An art form that actually makes you think rather that just make you observe lets you truly reflect upon the performance and the resulting experience.
Both artists do a fabulous job in portraying their characters and truly work hard to keep the tone in check and the experience valuable. Its an unconventional piece that works wonders. Every moment is a memory, every movement is a showcase of emotion and every element is a means to enhance the experience. The key to this production is to be patient. Without patience, one cannot understand the delicate elements that make every little moment worth it. With patience, you are placed in this wonderful theatre, given the opportunity to dig deep and leave with an experience that will touch you emotionally. Its a wonderful production.
Paris 1994/Gallery plays at Harbourfront Centre’s Enwave Theatre until April 28th 2012. Visit www.harbourfrontcentre.com for more information and tickets. Don’t miss a chance to see this brilliant production. Hats of to Tina Rasmussen for always taking the risk to try new works of art that truly test our ability to tap into our own emotions and imaginations.
ADVISORY: The production contains full nudity & language. Viewer discretion is advised!
