Review of ‘There Was Still Time; Folklore Dynamics’: Rich in Ideas and Intent

One of Wayne McGregor’s significant innovations as the artistic director of the Venice Dance Biennale, a role he will continue for the next two years, was the introduction of an open call for Italian choreographers. This endeavor aims to support dance creators in the challenging middle stage of their careers, offering them a platform to develop, take risks, and grow, bridging the gap between being rising stars and established talents.

Both commissions for this year were showcased on a single day, brimming with ideas and intent. “There Was Still Time,” by Maria Chiara de’ Nobili and Alexander Miller, who collaborate as Miller de Nobili, draws explicit inspiration from Samuel Beckett’s “Waiting for Godot.” Yet, even though the dancers Nam Tran Xuan and Alessandro Ottaviani—a hip-hop specialist and a breaker—quote from Beckett’s play and reference its scenes, their hour-long absurdist performance forms differently.

Nam and Ottaviani’s relationship, a blend of neediness and aggression, unfolds through a sequence of fluid duets. Their bodies morph into each other’s forms or engage in scenes of absurd humor—Ottaviani’s pink socks poking between Nam’s legs to capture his attention, Nam habitually adjusting his trousers or shirt. Sometimes they cling together; other times, they fight or dance alone in evident agony. The performance ends with a surprising and deeply unsettling darkness, making the piece an impressive study of patience and agitation.

The umbrella name Vidavè represents two more choreographers: Noemi Dalla Vecchia and Matteo Vignali. Their piece “Folklore Dynamics” tackles themes of conformity and the urgency of resistance. It features some striking moments—a small hop offstage with hands entwined, an intense and questioning duet, and a swirling dance in Alessandro Caso’s smoky orange light where capes transform into shadows and wings. Despite these elements, the piece’s earnest nature dilutes its impact, and it tends to get lost in a blustery polemic instead of developing its promising core sharply.

Star ratings (out of five)
There Was Still Time ★★★★
Folklore Dynamics ★★★

Source: The Guardian