Louder Than Words is a brash and confronting two-part Sydney Dance Company production by Rafael Bonachela and Greek choreographer Andonis Foniadakis that oozes sex, beauty and intimacy.
Bonachela’s Scattered Rhymes, featuring a musical score composed by Tarik O’Regan and Nick Wales, is a poetic tale of the agony and ecstasy of unrequited love, driven by pulsating and dynamic dancers, whose athletic energy explodes onstage. The fluid movements and intimate duet performances are captivating, and with its 14th-century-style religious choral music and beautiful costumes, Scattered Rhymes has an overwhelmingly powerful effect on the senses.
In contrast to Scattered Rhymes’ seemingly historic world, Foniadakis’ Parenthesis has an almost tribal Lord Of The Flies yet futuristic and inventive feel to it. Focusing on the relation of duality and the interactions that can either disturb or interrupt it, the rawness of the dancing and erotica that leaps from the stage is palpable.
Particular mention must go to French composer Julien Tarride for his electrifying music score in Parenthesis, including bass that has the entire theatre throbbing and vibrating, creating an ominous atmosphere and an leaving an unsettling feeling in the air.
The athleticism of the dancers onstage in Louder Than Words is exceptional: bodies writhe and sail across the stage at such a frenetic pace it is almost impossible to blink for fear of missing some of the action. Combined with confident choreography and elegant, simplistic stage settings, this is one of those performances that leaves you gasping for air and wanting to relive the experience again and again.
It is also a powerful reminder that movement, dance and music can, more often than not, speak louder than words.
4/5 stars
Louder Than Words is playing at the Sydney Theatre until Saturday October 18.
