Choreographer: Company Cain, Cai Tomas
Opening in a tranquil atmosphere, the company of eleven older women tread quietly but purposely around the studio. They pause occasionally, their soft expressions acknowledging four chairs, adorned with black and white images of their childhood selves and large sticks that appear as if they have washed up onto the stage. It feels like witnessing a ritual, one that celebrates memory, movement and mutual support.
The humming soundscore and image projection at the back of the stage combine to express a natural landscape, complimented with costumes in tones of cloud white, buttercup yellow, puddle grey. Once the live cello accompaniment begins, the movement language shifts – arms reaching upwards and outward, pressing the air, in motions reminiscent of Tai Chi.
Soon the childhood photos are added to the projection and the dancers find one another, first in gentle duets and trios, and sooner in a larger interconnected tableau, like a complex mycelium network that would allow them to share their ideas, hopes and sense of trust. This image beautifully reflects the creative process of this choreography and a company that has worked together for fifteen years.
The sticks return in an impactful use of stillness, as a solo performer is first surrounded and then joined on stage by the company, facing the audience, sticks held confidently in one hand. The pose evokes a warrior’s stance, and a shepherd’s protectiveness and feels like a powerful moment of togetherness.
Then comes the finale, as the shifting mass of the company moves downstage, shedding the outer layer of clothing in a symbolic expression of their transformation. These layers are discarded with care, in gestures that emphasises how natural this process is, like walking, breathing and being. A great end to a performance themed around becoming.
Reviewed on 10 July 2026
The Reviews Hub Star Rating
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6
