I don’t like dance performances which require you to read the programme in order to understand what’s going on. I didn’t buy a programme (mostly, to be honest, because the drinks were so expensive at the bar I didn’t have any cash left). So when the lights came up on a girl towering above a sea of white plastic ribbons, singing in a foreign language and waving a fishing rod about, I started to get worried.
But then I didn’t give it another thought, because for every second of the 75 minutes of dance, I was absolutely captivated. The company of eight dancers was astonishing. At times I was on the edge of my seat, at times I found myself holding my breath, and at other times I was just wondering, ‘How the hell do they do that with their bodies?’
I couldn’t tell you the themes of all of the dances, but I understood the emotions behind them, and really, that’s the important thing. The struggle against life, being at the mercy of forces beyond your control, vulnerability, love, grief, helplessness, all demonstrated with elegance and wit.
The innovative use of projections and film brought the audience almost uncomfortably close to the dancers, turning them into voyeurs who just couldn’t look away.
‘Yesterday’ is fabulous. It’s a collection of some of the best moments from Jasmin Vardimon Dance Company’s performances of the last ten years – all of which work beautifully together in this production. I’d recommend it, or anything else by this talented and energetic company, to others, even those who have never seen live dance before. And if those types need persuading, just tell them there are pillow fights, boxing, boobs and bums in it. That might bring them through the door, and I’m sure they’ll leave converted.
The run at the Peacock Theatre has now finished, but go to jasminvardimon.com to see dates for the ‘Yesterday’ tour, which begins on 12th December.