Julia Robert and Rudi Cole, founders of HUMANHOOD, said: HUMANHOOD was born from a simple question: what becomes possible when we stop trying to control the body and begin to listen to it? Over the years, that question has grown into an artistic and educational practice exploring movement not only as performance, but as a way of encountering ourselves, each other, and the life that moves through us. VORTEX is an invitation to experience movement as a living force rather than something to observe from a distance. We hope audiences leave not only having witnessed a performance, but feeling more connected—to themselves, to each other, and to the invisible relationships that hold us all.
Review by Will Prys-Jones.
The stage became the “eye of the tornado,” guiding audiences through a journey from darkness to light with a cast of seven moving with precision and virtuosity. It began very slowly to reveal glimpses of dancers before all seven dancers were interacting with the audience including folding their bodies towards the ground – it became very difficult to focus on each dancer as one dancer became two, then three, four, five, six then forming a line as a whole group of seven. Their costumes enhanced the performance- tunics and wide trousers. The music is powerful and just the right pace, credit to composer lain Armstrong’s soundscape. The 55 minute did pass quickly but lengthy without any interval- it was amazing how the dancers managed to keep up with all the dance moves and energy that filled the auditorium. Aiden Bromley’s lighting design was terrific. Indeed, there was a strong sense of rhythm rather than focusing on a story told in steps. It is aimed for an audience who like physical contemporary dance. It was a really good performance that ended with an appreciated applause from the audience, with potential to become outstanding. This award-winning work of Julia Robert and Rudi Cole has been performed worldwide at prestigious festivals including the Venice Biennale, CINARS in Montreal, Festival Grec in Barcelona, and PAMS in Seoul. It was lovely to see the production at Sadler’s Wells East which fits the 550-seat mid-scale theatre. Their creations have also been featured by the BBC and Arte.
Julia Robert – Concept, Direction, Choreography and Set Design
Rudi Cole – Concept, Direction, Choreography and Set Design
Alex Forster – Music
Iain Armstrong – Music
Julia Robert – Music
Rudi Cole – Music
Aiden Bromley – Lighting Design
HUMANHOOD – Production Company
Photo credit: Raul Sasan
