To mark the troupe’s fifth birthday and Dame Evelyn Glennie’s fiftieth, “Wide Awakening” is a unique collaboration between the virtuoso percussionist and Joss Arnott Dance. Returning after the interval to see Dame Evelyn’s equipment laid out at the distant rear of the stage, one wonders how much of her presence will be felt or seen during the performance. Like a factory hooter but more painful on the ear, the dance starts with a number of spaced, pre-recorded bursts of noise that set the tone for what is to come.

Five dancers in red and gold begin their moves, but this moment coincides with Dame Evelyn starting to play her composed score and I no longer notice the dancers. Wreathed in curls of stage smoke and lit from above, her long, silver hair jerks as she intently travels around her drums and cymbals in patterns and with compelling intent. The warmth and depth of the tuned wood and the percussive, articulated range of flavours keeps my eyes fixed on the source.

After I eventually re-engage with the dance, I become aware that the company’s key repertoire moves have been called upon with a little too much regularity this evening and consequently, impact is beginning to wane. Heavy use of certain undulations, arm shapes and leg placements leave me craving a deeper development of ideas and invention so I am surprised and satisfied when shortly, duet work is introduced, answering much of my desire. These few set pieces deliver a tangible, human connection that adds much to the overall satisfaction.

Leading to the climax, Dame Evelyn leaves her kit to play a massive marimba that commands a half-width of her stage. The air moving, warm resonance precedes the dancers who rise up with a fresh empowerment as a tumultuous conclusion is reached.

Joss Arnott Dance continue to live up to their well-deserved reputation but with her charismatic guidance and presence, Dame Evelyn Glennie steals the show.

Riverfront, Newport
22 October 2015