Camden Review: Classical & Jazz | Eonnagata | Sadler's Wells | Sylvie Guillem

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The Review - CLASSICAL & JAZZ - with TONY KIELY
Published: 5 March 2009

Brave but confusing new world of dance

REVIEW - EONNAGATA
Sadler’s Wells

THE last time I saw French uber-ballerina Sylvie Guillem and award-winning choreographer and dancer Russell Maliphant was in their breathtaking collaboration PUSH in 2006.
It was a work of pure genius that paraded their limitless talent and creativity, so I was excited to see them together again in Eonnagata at Sadler’s Wells alongside theatre-maker Robert Lepage.
The work tells the story of 18th-century soldier, diplomat and spy, the Chevalier d’Eon, who was famed for his cross-dressing disguise – so much so that there was constant speculation as to his true gender, which was only revealed after his death.
Guillem, Maliphant and Lepage have obviously worked hard to blend their individual talents and artistry into one. At times this is a success: Guillem and Maliphant wind their bodies around the music and each other with familiar ease; the trio turn one fight scene into slow-motion movements reminiscent of a John Woo film, while the lighting by Michael Hulls is boldly clever and costumes by Alexander McQueen deliciously sumptuous.
But the ceaseless mix and switching from dance, theatre, spectacle, spoken-word, stage-fighting and circus-like entertainment is at times confusing.
There are brief glimpses of how extraordinary each of the performers are at doing what they do. But the dancing could have been more powerful and does not showcase Guillem or Maliphant as it might – or as their craft deserves.
Eonnagata is a brave new world for Guillem, Maliphant and Lepage but it may not be the answer for fans that prefer their dance to be pure and undiluted.
HELENA MARKOVIC

Until March 8, returning June 23-27

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