Corazón a Corazón
Deaf Men Dancing, a cast of hearing impaired male dancers wowed the innocently fascinated audience gathered by the Winchester Law Courts on Saturday afternoon. 'How do they keep in time' and other such curious questions no doubt crept into the thoughts of other viewers as well as myself. But it seemed their disability enabled the group to explore gesture and movement that was unique; as if their sign language snuck into their movements, communicating more than simple metaphor or elegance.
The piece, choreographed by Mark Smith (who is also deaf), commemorated the 50th anniversary of the decriminalisation of homosexuality in England and Wales; telling the tale of two male prisoners who form an unlikely bond. The stage was formed of a scaffold triangle that stood at around 30 foot tall with a cloth hammock at the top and two metal frame beds.
As the prisoners, one gay, the other longing for his betrothed were placed in their cells dissonant, French style music played. It often sounded as if danger has approaching or something climatic was being led up to, however no such moment came. The dance too, although fluid and playful as the men became acquainted lasted rather long; a fidgety rubbing of sun cream and a few blurry photos later it was clearly getting waffley.
The most spectacular part of the show was a corde lisse display (aerial skills performed on a rope), performed by the 'guard' character. He climbed the scaffold and was birthed as a drag woman with trailing red ribbons, silver head wear and heavy eye make-up. The dancer, who was incredibly strong, travelled the rope to hold himself in unfeasible positions looked upon in awe by the prisoners. I couldn't help thinking 'well what else could they do' as nothing could upstage the majestic aerial display above.
Whether a metaphor for changing attitudes to sexuality; the rebirth of a new era of freedom and expression, or a prisoner's fantasy, Corazón a Corazón was a beautiful piece of work that spoke something to all.
