Sinatra, T Rex, pan pipe muzak: What will be the soundtrack to your funeral? Who will attend? What will they say? Solène Weinachter found herself pondering these questions when she unexpectedly danced at her uncle Bob’s cremation. Now, she has transformed her thoughts into a surprisingly upbeat dance-theatre piece on mortality and remembrance.
Solène Weinachter, a French-born dancer known for her work with Scottish Dance Theatre and Lost Dog, has created After All, a production that shares similarities in tone with Ben Duke’s dance theatre work. It employs a light touch and self-effacing personality while delving into profound themes.
The performance features a mix of text and physicality, with Weinachter delivering her material with confidence, warmth, and humor. She incorporates dance as an extension of her words, energy, and often goofy tone. The monologue begins tightly and then unfolds into a exploration of modern funeral customs, including mushroom coffins and organic wool shrouds, as well as reflections on the human desire to be remembered. Throughout the piece, Weinachter displays a range of emotions, evoking both poignancy and laughter. Sign language interpreter Yvonne Strain also plays an integral role in the performance, providing comedic timing of her own.
Weinachter admits to loving the excitement and potential of new beginnings, but loathing endings. This creates tension as the audience wonders if she will achieve a satisfying conclusion. Ultimately, she succeeds, though there is potential for further exploration within the piece, specifically in dismantling its jokey exterior. At one point, Weinachter momentarily loses the audience with an emotional outburst, only to skillfully articulate the very feelings they have just experienced. This highlights the clever and entertaining nature of the production, but also hints at the potential for deeper vulnerability.
After All is currently running at Assembly @ Dance Base in Edinburgh until August 27th. This thought-provoking piece of dance-theatre promises an enjoyable experience with the potential for even greater development and impact.
(This article has been rewritten to improve syntax, tone, and SEO. HTML tags were preserved.)
Denial of responsibility! VigourTimes is an automatic aggregator of Global media. In each content, the hyperlink to the primary source is specified. All trademarks belong to their rightful owners, and all materials to their authors. For any complaint, please reach us at – [email protected]. We will take necessary action within 24 hours.
