By Jill Sykes
Rotunda
Riverside Theatres, May 13
The men wear khaki, one of few direct visual references to the Anzac experience.Credit: Caroline Bindon
The old warning to actors about the dangers of sharing stage or screen with children or animals – that they will steal the show – may need an additional category: beware dancing with an onstage brass band. The novelty of their sound and sight, even sitting still beyond the spotlights with their burnished golden instruments glinting, is a delicious distraction from the dance.
In fact, the New Zealand Dance Company is not diminished by the City of Holroyd Brass Band. Rather, the musicians contribute hugely to the performance through the liveliness of their playing and the constancy of their presence, which adds warmth and character to the proceedings.
The band, with its implied connection to the military, also underlines the aim of Rotunda – to mark the centenary of the Anzac landing. Although the male dancers wear khaki, there isn't much visually to suggest an Anzac theme. Even the choreography is more often amorphous in its impressively vigorous style than indicative of a war scenario.
On the thematic side, the men have a playful sequence that suggests carefree youth before the horrors of war that come later, illustrated by leaping, shivering individuals and traumatised groups. A duet in which one soldier tries to rouse his mate back to life exemplifies the best of Shona McCullagh's choreography.
The women partner their men and grieve over their departure. Overall, the eight barefoot dancers offer feisty high-action sequences with skill, commitment and individuality.
And then there is the band. Whereas the conductor and featured drummer came from NZ with the dancers, the City of Holroyd Brass Band is based locally, in Merrylands. From its vivid entrance through the auditorium, it gave an engrossing performance of contemporary NZ compositions and traditional music. Not so much stealing the show as enriching it.
Until May 16