Theatre Review: The Girl with No Heart

Sparkle and Dark’s production of The Girl with No Heart tells the story of a young girl who enters into a world torn apart by a war.

One of the most interesting things about this haunting production was the way in which the story was told. The combination of live music, puppetry and origami throughout the show helped the audience feel like the children that are in the play. This meant that the overall result was even more harrowing because seeing such an empty world through a child’s eyes is really quite saddening.

However the production’s performers created such warm and realistic characters that you could not help but want to remove them from the tragic world they were in. The charismatic performances lifted the play at some of its darker moments and always took it in different, but significant, directions.

It was different from what I expected because it was completely unique and original and was a really interesting and truthful way of performing a play.

I think the event would have been better if the story had some more exciting and dramatic elements because there were times when my attention dropped slightly.

I would strongly recommend this production to others because it can appeal to a large audience due to the variety of the show but also because of the interesting story and exciting method of storytelling.

by Nick Pearce

ART31 Open Day - Sunday 18th August - Gulbnekian - 1 - 4pm

ART31 @ Gulbenkian are taking over the building to show you a little of what we have been doing and to create a chance to sign up to be part of the group.

On the day there will be a marketplace of Youth Arts across Kent and workshops to get involved in.

Just turn up on the day to have your say!

It's so important that we get as many young people aware & involved in this day as possible.

Aakash Odedra Review - By Gwen Grynfeld Tuesday 9th April 7.30pm

 

Aakash Odedra is a solo performer, trained specifically in Kathak dance (a narrative and decorative dance form, originating in North India and Pakistan.) However in “Rising” the performance showcases an exciting hybrid of Kathak and Contemporary dance, due to the three choreographers he has been working with: Akram Khan, Russel Maliphant and Sidi Larbi Cherkaoui.

 The performance consisted of four acts, the first being “Nritta”, choreographed by Odedra himself. This was a spirited performance, allowing for a joyful rendition of the music and an uplifting response. This was a piece consisting of entirely decorative Kathak dance, which was both enjoyable and illuminating.

The second, entitled "In the shadow of man" was choreographed by Akram Khan, exploring the animal versus humanity. This was a disturbing piece, as the beginning focused on Odedra's back in red light, which due to contortion seemed inorganic and estranged from the rest of his body. The rest of the performance was in this vein, however as an audience we were less emotionally distanced as the piece progressed.

 "Cut" was choreographed by Russell Maliphant, who used lighting in particular to highlight and accent Odedra. This made for a particularly dramatic act, due to the dehumanisation of Odedra on account of the shadows cast, much like within "In the shadow of man". This made his face and body almost void of any recognisable characteristic, enabling Odedra to isolate parts of his body, by putting them in the light.

The final act was "Constellation", choreographed by Sidi Larbi Cherkaoui; an exploration into the patterns of sound and light. The lighting for this consisted of light bulbs hanging from the ceiling (on elastic, one presumed), which bobbed around the stage in a beautifully simplistic, and yet magical way. The stage was instantly transformed into a slightly surreal world, where gravity did not seem to apply. This contrasted greatly due to its soft lighting, as opposed to the stark contrasts of "Cut".

This was a very distinctive and unique collaboration, which produced some very thought-provoking work, however one could say that the lighting was what made this performance remarkable.

The Stage is Yours Review - By Harrie Wenham Thursday 4th April 6pm

The stage is yours was a great way for talented young performers to show off there skills and a chance for them to introduce themselves as local performers. The night consisted of a wide range of performances from a excellent drama monologue to an explosive performance from a band. Being part of the judging panel was both enjoyable and also difficult when it came down to picking the 3 winners, nevertheless I am thrilled with the ones we decided on and feel that it was a pleasure watching all the acts. Furthermore I am glad at the quality of the performances and honestly can not say that there was a bad act. My overall opinion of the night was it was amazing to see other people's talents and also made me tthink about how we can develop the competition even further!

A Review of Kosh's Café Chaos - Wednesday 10th April 2013 7.30pm

The Kosh's Café Chaos was a compelling piece of theatre that utilized music, dance and movement to create a night of physical and verbal excellence. Set in a busy London café, the play used comic scenarios and unique characters to present the theme of prejudice in a personal and humorous way. In fact, it was not until the curtain call that I actually realized that the cast only consisted of four actors, which was a testament to both their talent and versatility. A thoroughly enjoyable and skillful performance with a message that relates to every audience member.

Meet Harry

Harry is a 15 year old chap from the seaside town of Whitstable. He keenly describes the project as creative, fun and youthful. Originating from the Gulbenkian Youth Theatre team, he brings his skills as a contributor of all manners- he's happy to chip in where necessary and likes to think of himself as a manager of all the ideas flying around. It's a tough job, but someone's got to do it.

Hi Harry!

Meet Annabel

Annabel would describe Art 31 as interesting, unique and inspirational- all words that could be applied to Annabel herself, who is one of the youngest members of the group, though this fact wouldn't betray to speak to her as she her approach to the project is mature and with a keen attitude. By invitation from Louise Costello at South East Dance with whom she has helped run workshops, Annabel has also earnestly assisted in the development of the project's website using Dreamweaver and with stage management. She is also a self-confessed organiser, who likes to keep everything clean and tidy.

Hello Annabel!