Alice

Jasmin Vardimon - Sadler's Wells

YOU MUST SEE THIS SHOW! Jasmin Vardimon have created a unique, stunning piece of dance that everyone will relate to. This is art.

So, how does this adaptation of Alice in Wonderland stand out in amongst a huge range of adaptations? Let's get into it...

Extraordinary. That is the one world that comes to mind about Jasmin Vardimon's company's 'Alice'. The style of dance theatre is like the Banksy version of dance. Vardimon talks about how her inspiration for the show was having a teenage daughter, how the piece is all about growing up as a woman and the changes we go through. It tackles identity, women's body changes, hormones, relationshops and so much more. You'll laugh, cry and leave in self-reflection. If you haven't seen this yet... what are you doing? This piece of theatre is such a massive example of how dance theatre is an exquisite art that doesn't need translation, every audience member interprets and relates in their own way. It's magical.

This inspiration is so clear; it gives the piece it's beauty, because it is so personal. The plot feels like Vardimon is explaining to young women what growing up is like, the highs and lows through comparing it to elements of Lewis Carroll's story 'Alice in Wonderland'. The show makes you reflect and relate to your own life. There is various dance styles integrated into the choreography, the set feels like you are watching an art exhibit unfold and the technical elements that are used alongside the dance are extremely impressive. The dancers are extremely talented, and their physical abilities are out of this world. The music is a selction of many genres, the mix of dance styles and music also displays change as women grow up. Songs you may even recognise.

There are things that the dancers do that I truly could not explain to you how they do it. Their ability to use their bodies individually, the stunts and how they work in unison is magical. Before the show started there was a live stream of the dancers creating the numbers of the time, in digital clock form, with their bodies! Their dance ability is out of this world. Liudmila Loglisci played Alice, she showed the character's personality through dance and performance skills with minimal dialogue to a high standard. She clearly showed how her character symbolised adolescence. There is extra appreciation in how she was aware of the set/tech in terms of timing and spacing to ensure that she was in the right place at the right time to interact with tech images that would appear on the backdrop. Her movements were energetic, bubbly and clearly showed Alice's character development/growth, all through non-verbal performance elements.

Juliette Tellier played Alice's reflection in a section of the show, and she portrayed Alice as a young woman, going through romance, exploring her sexuality and identity. Her movements are fluid, she shows how Alice has become more self-aware and becomes a bit more reserved. She also shows going through mood swings and her duet with Donny Beau Ferris, as her love interest, was electric. The stage was split into two rooms, one with harsh, cold lighting and one with warm lighting. They walk in and out of the rooms, the warm room they join together, and the movements are more intimate, then the cold room they clash, and their movements are more violent.

It feels like you are watching an art exhibit, because the set design was an art piece in itself. The set moved like a book; the curtains of their design closed like the turning of a page of a book. Lighting and the set had to work hand in hand, to the second and it was done exceedingly well. Each page of the set portrayed something different and included blank pages. The set huge part in presenting the idea that the whole show is a statement about womenhood and growing up. In one scene particularly, where the set is moving fast turning each page and Alice reacts to each page of the set, the grey page she pushes away and she relaxes in the blank page, then it carries on turning pages and Loglisci changes parts of her outfit and mannerisms to show how time is passing and she is aging. The grey page comes back and she stands and observes the grey page, as if she is reflecting on her past and appreciating the highs and lows.

This whole show is an essential for women of all ages, makes you reflect and appreciate your own path. Alice in Wonderland is a story that we have all grown up with in our own way, whether you read the book, watch one of the film adaptations or have seen a stage adaptation; this adaptation is something new and the message behind it is clear as day. The dancers have such a high standard of ability and there is nothing you could fault them on; they are aware of their own body's capabilities and those around them. This choreography is exquisite, and Jasmin Vardimon is a name you should get in the know about if you are interested in dance theatre. Such a great show that emphasises femininity and is all about empowering the journey into womanhood.

A personal note to the choreographer: Thank you Jasmin Vardimon for this magnificent theatre experience and creating this piece of work that made me appreciate my own journey, sometimes you really need to see a show that makes you feel like this! Theatre like this is such a personal experience and it so great to find a piece that speaks to you and helps you on your path.