Camden Fringe 2026: Between < 1 – The Courtyard Theatre, London

Writer: Zoe Zhao

Directors: Zoe Zhao and James Shing Mu Cheng

Billed as contemporary dance theatre, Between > 1 pairs expressive choreography with a score of music (both by James Shing Mu Cheng) and dialogue (by Zoe Zhao) to which the dancers mime along, creating a narrative movement piece depicting the realisation that one woman’s toxic relationship strongly mirrors the fractured dynamic she has with her father.

Between > 1 shines when its choreography and performance are given a chance to have uninterrupted focus. In some ways, the majority of the piece feels built around this moment where Juliana Koldehofe-Marchais, Martina Tartarini, and Cydney Ellis are dancing together on stage. It is expressive, evocative, and clearly examines the interplay between our past relationships and our present attachment styles.

Much of Between > 1’s framing is weaker than the dance itself. The dialogue is at times overwritten and leaves nothing to the imagination; the choreography paired with this dialogue is occasionally unsubtle, and there is a cleverly hidden conceit at the very start of the piece, which is convincingly carried out but does not serve a necessary function.

The technical elements of Between > 1 are of a high standard. James Shing Mu Cheng does a truly wonderful job with the music. It feels simultaneously original and familiar, constantly mirroring the emotional timbre of the narrative without overpowering it, but retaining an identity of its own. Xuen Ge’s lighting takes this rhythm and runs with it to build a comfortable control of the stage. Although the set is simple, every element of Jennifer Yuqing Cao’s scenic design serves a strict purpose and creates pathways of visual interest for performance.

Despite these technical elements and the strength of some of the choreography, Between > 1 is a largely odd experience. The decision to have the performers mine their lines along to a dialogue track creates a suitable sense of alienation but comes at the expense of the performance’s smoothness and power. There is a narrative there that could draw in audiences, and yet the dialogue track firmly pushes them away, leaving the audience unable to emotionally connect with the main character and her struggle. Nevertheless, there is clear promise in all of these young creatives, and if they keep executing work to this standard, they will find their voice.

Runs until 8 August 2026

Camden Fringe 2026 runs until 30 August