Choreographer: Elaine Thomas
Director: Michael Vale
Our Time uses movement, music and art projections to tell a story of queer love, set amidst the earth-shattering events of the late 20th century, from the Cold War, the fall of the Berlin Wall, and the legalisation of same-sex marriage.
A tribute to the company’s late founder and artistic director, Wolfgang Stange, who began creating the show in his final year of his life, the performance is deeply moving and inspirational. Anchored by inclusivity and compassion, Our Time calls for audiences to celebrate the world for all its colour despite geopolitical and localised divisions.
A collaboration between disabled and non-disabled performers, the Amici Dance Theatre Company gives all performers the opportunity to express themselves through dance. The support shown for one another on stage makes it clear that the company exists as a unified creative force, facilitating fulfilling experiences for both those performing and in the audience.
The company, consisting of an array of ages, physical abilities, and dance training, demonstrates confidence, poise and respect for one another as they move. Dressed in multicolour from head to toe, the dancers’ group scenes are captivating, demonstrating a solid understanding and skill for contemporary dance. Choreographer Elaine Thomas leans into circular movements, encouraging a fluidity that is enjoyable to watch. This is particularly impressive when incorporating the wheelchairs, demonstrating clever choreographic creativity as well as the performers’ astute control of their wheels.
The small group performances are equally as impressive, and an utterly breathtaking ballet number is delivered by one duet. Supported by her male partner, the ballerina lifts out of her wheelchair and unbelievably onto her pointe shoes. This provides another example of how Amici transforms what conventionally may be seen as barriers to movement into integrated features of art that truly enhance the performance. Moments of circus skills further shatter expectations of what can be achieved by the diverse cast.
It is how the company works together that makes the performance so impactful. Although the principals and graduate dancers give structure to the storytelling, the entire company works as one to provide an evening of pure joy, celebrating what brings us together in the face of social and political adversities.
With inclusivity at its heart, the Amici Dance Theatre Company projects the power of theatre to a whole new level.
Runs until 25 October 2025
