Phoenix Dance Theatre's Interplay: A Nostalgic Journey Through Hip-Hop and Classical Fusion
Phoenix Dance Theatre's latest production, Interplay, presented at York Theatre Royal, offers a captivating mixed bill that draws on diverse influences from 1990s hip-hop culture to classical greats and early 2000s nostalgia. Directed by Marcus Jarrell Willis, the show features a blend of new choreography and short revivals, creating a dynamic exploration of dance's spiritual and rhythmic dimensions.
Suite Release: An Ode to the Dancefloor
In Suite Release, choreographed by Marcus Jarrell Willis and Yusha-Marie Sorzano, both alumni of Alvin Ailey, the piece serves as a heartfelt tribute to the pure joy of the dancefloor. Filtered through memories of 1990s hip-hop culture, it evokes a sense of communal connection and nostalgia. The soundscape includes iconic voices like DJ Kool Herc, the godfather of hip-hop, and tracks from artists such as Labrinth, Buju Banton, and A Tribe Called Quest, alongside the theme from the TV show A Different World.
The loose, energetic movements draw from hip-hop, house, and dancehall styles, with Labrinth's rendition of How Great Thou Art highlighting the spiritual essence of the dance. Despite modern intrusions, the central question remains poignant: can we recapture the authentic spirit of past dance eras? This piece celebrates the timeless bond formed through shared movement and music.
Revivals and New Works: A Diverse Lineup
The mixed bill also features two short revivals that add depth and variety. Next of Kin, originally from 2013 by Jarrell Willis, presents a playful duet with sibling-like antics, showcasing lighthearted interactions and dynamic choreography. Following this, Ed Myhill's Why Are People Clapping? from 2018 offers a 13-minute piece based on Steve Reich's Clapping Music. It cleverly visualises rhythm with levity and glee, making it an enjoyable and engaging experience for audiences.
A new addition comes from the hotly tipped choreographic duo Travis Clausen-Knight and James Pett, now known as PCK Dance. Their piece, Small Talk, features a troubled couple in a domestic setting with elements like a lamp, chair, and rug. Dancer Tony Polo opens the piece stranded on the rug, with darkness lifting as Schubert's music swells, followed by Chopin. The soundtrack mines classical greats to colour the characters' inner lives and setting gaps.
However, the use of Arvo Pärt's Spiegel im Spiegel, a piece often overused in contemporary dance, transports viewers back to the early 2000s, adding a retro feel. The choreography hints at influences from Jiří Kylián and Mats Ek, with starched-straight limbs and mannered gestures, particularly in the female role danced by Dorna Ashory. Polo's rangy frame and elastic movements, along with his cool oversized suit, contrast with Ashory's plain dress, highlighting generational themes.
Cultural Cycles and Modern Relevance
This production taps into Gen Z's fascination with millennium-era nostalgia, suggesting that cultural cycles are inevitable rather than mere rewinds. By blending hip-hop roots with classical elements, Interplay bridges past and present, offering a timely reflection on how dance evolves while honoring its heritage. The show ran at Leeds Playhouse from 31 March to 2 April and will tour until 27 June, providing audiences across the UK with an opportunity to experience this rich tapestry of movement and music.
Overall, Phoenix Dance Theatre's Interplay is a thoughtfully curated performance that celebrates diversity in dance, from the spiritual highs of the dancefloor to the intricate rhythms of classical revival. It invites viewers to ponder the connections between eras and the enduring power of dance to unite and inspire.
