London's cultural landscape is a vibrant tapestry woven with threads of dance, drama, and iconic imagery. This week, we delve into three distinct aspects of the city's arts scene, from the mesmerizing movements of Wayne McGregor's "Deepstaria" to the poignant social commentary of Michael Abbensetts' "Alterations," and a nostalgic look back at the influential magazine, The Face.
Deepstaria: An Underwater Dream
Wayne McGregor's "Deepstaria," currently enchanting audiences at Sadler's Wells, is a mesmerizing exploration of movement and light. As our reviewer notes, the dancers are "captivating creatures, miraculous in their facility for movement." Their bodies flow and evolve, creating a sense of rippling through deep water.
The production's innovative use of Vantablack, a material that absorbs nearly all light, adds to the otherworldly atmosphere. Instead of complete darkness, the stage is filled with a haze and streaks of milky light, creating a visual spectacle that complements the dancers' fluid grace.
"With quiet choreography and a focus on solos and duos, there is some incredibly tender movement in a captivating show that gives a sense of rippling through water."
Alterations: Stitching Together Stories at the National Theatre
Across town at the National Theatre, Michael Abbensetts' "Alterations" offers a different kind of experience. This breezy comedy, set in a tailor's shop, explores themes of home, belonging, and the immigrant experience in Britain.
Directed by Lynette Linton, the play features characters who work, dream, and navigate a racially hostile environment. The setting itself, a "scruffy upstairs shop, crammed with clothes racks," becomes a safe space for the characters.
Originally staged in 1978, the play resonates with contemporary audiences, reminding us of the power of community and the search for identity. As our reviewer observes, "Abbenstetts’ tone is more comic, but with the same undertow of meditative questioning about a sense of 'home'."
The Face: A Magazine that Shaped a Generation
For those seeking a dose of nostalgia, the "The Face Magazine: Culture Shift" exhibition at the National Portrait Gallery offers a fascinating look back at a magazine that defined a generation. The Face, a pioneering publication of the 1980s and 90s, was a hub for subcultures, setting trends in fashion, music, and design.
One writer, Marc Thompson, recounts how The Face shaped his identity as a young Black gay man. He writes, "The Face was like a cool, older teenager who invited you into a sexy new world where fashion, music and design fused to create a revolutionary culture."
The magazine introduced him to diverse cultural scenes, from the house music of Chicago and New York to foreign-language films, broadening his horizons and inspiring him to aspire to something different. It serves as a reminder of the power of print media to influence and shape cultural landscapes.
From the ethereal beauty of "Deepstaria" to the social commentary of "Alterations" and the cultural impact of The Face, London's stage continues to offer a diverse and engaging range of artistic experiences.