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MANIFESTO
@ Playhouse, Melbourne,
28th October 2023
(Live Review)

Choreographed by: Stephanie Lake / Composed by: Robin Fox

Review by Stephanie Tang

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Photo – Roy Van Der Vegt

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Sight, hearing, touch and energy are ignited in “Manifesto”, the electrifying contemporary arts performance, choreographed by Stephanie Lake and composed by Robin Fox.

Recently returned from it’s international tour in Germany, and sell out national shows, the dance sensation once again offered an unforgettable experience at Melbourne’s Playhouse. With nine dancers and nine drummers on nine drum kits, the stage was set for a powerful collision of dance and percussion.

Entering the theatre, a colossal watermelon pink, arched platform spanning the entire stage, towers over the audience. On each step is a drum kit, and behind each kit sits a percussionist. Nine dancers clothed in white emerge. It is difficult to tell if the drums are dictating the movements, or if movement like life is fluid, and everything else is a soundtrack. The precise drumming and the dancers’ movements intertwine seamlessly, generating a sense of anticipation and excitement throughout the performance.

For the most part, the drums are roaring and thunderous, serving as a commanding metronome. Beams of light shoot from each pillar in beat with the punchy snares, reverberating kick drums and clanging high hats. It is thrilling and magical when each kit lights on its’ own, and we are treated to a mini solo from each percussionist.

Each with their own style, the last beat is thrown and caught in rapid fire between them like a riff off. The energy is fun and light, as the nine kits then join in a collective riff to applause and cheers from the crowd.

From the stunning plush Hollywood velvet curtain, majestic pillars which atop sits the drummers to the nymph like dancers below, your eyes don’t know where to stay. Especially mesmerising is the sequence where a dancer moves like a jerky puppet, and Lake’s detailed eye shines. From the pointed toes to flexed fingertips each movement is minute but considered. The feeling you get is spiky, prickly and spine tingling, soundtracked by hollow clicks that float around the theatre.

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Photo – Mark Gambino

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The continual shift in energy and volume in sound, leaves the audience spellbound. Soft symbol cymbal taps like the pitter patter of rain make the pounding bass even more thunderous. The moment when all dancers hug each other from behind with their arms waving softly, is a jarring contrast to the all out pandemonium where a chair is hurled and smashes on the floor.

Leaning into the duality of life, Lake successfully showcases chaos and calm through emotions of emptiness and trepidation followed by joy and chaotic ecstasy.

Known for her energy, expressiveness and dynamism, Lake has made Manifesto big in impact, motion and sound. Twisted mouths, strong legs and swinging hips, all parts of the face and body are used to visually showcase Fox’s composition. There are moments where you question if it is choreographed or improvised. In synch is sound and movement, but these guys look like they’re having way too much fun. Blink, and you’ll miss a streaking figure race across the stage, amidst twirling dancers with hands joined and others jumping off chairs.

At times each dancer moves as individuals, at others they come together as a trio, or as a quintet, but most magical is when all nine are combined. Moving as a wave with one dancer hoisted atop the others, the audience sees them as one unit. Manifesto’s marvel comes from the ability for each dancer to own their own steps, but collectively move with a united feeling to still tell the same story. Each is their own leading character. Exemplifying with minute differences in how each step is danced, every person has their own story to tell.

Compared to “Colossus” with fifty dancers, Manifesto’s nine allows for a more intimate atmosphere. In cadence with the drumming, you can see the fury, calm, fear, sweat and even a cheeky wink on the dancer’s faces. One segment has the group clustered in an inverted triangle formation; their faces contorted as if trying to regain control against a frightening swooshing, almost screeching noise created by metal instruments each drummer commands. The amplified sound of the live percussion adds to the drama, making the audience feel the heartbeat of the performance.

“Manifesto” was a breathtaking and electrifying experience, proudly exhibiting dance and drumming. The collision of movement and percussion created an atmosphere of raw human energy that is both visually stunning and emotionally resonant. Drama, mood shifts, and breathtaking moments throughout the performance made it a unique artistic journey that left the audience charged and energised. It continues to illicit standing ovations and is clearing leave a lasting impression on viewers.

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Photo – Sam Roberts

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Photo – Mark Gambino

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AMNPLIFY – DB