Theatre Review: From England with Love

A thought-provoking contemporary dance show at Blackpool Grand was an immersive auditory and visual sensation, writes Ruth Owens

Originally from Israel, Hofesh Shechter is the composer, choreographer and producer of the thought-provoking From England with Love. Based on his view of life in England over the last two decades, he highlights the changes that have taken place whilst reflecting attitudes and lifestyles.

Known for his dynamic music scores and powerful choreography, Shechter formed his own boundary-breaking dance company in 2008. The UK premiere of his production appeared at the Grand Theatre Blackpool, for one night only. His passion, he states, is to awaken people to the essence of the human spirit that lies within us all and to the possibilities of change. From England with Love is certainly a passion-filled performance.

The eight international dancers, aged between 18-25 filled the stage. All are recent dance graduates of Shechter II – a school with a commitment to nurture young artists and shape the future of contemporary dance. Their vibrancy and youth shine throughout the performance  Each beat and tempo of the diverse original score resonates as the dancers move their bodies, bending and swaying they connect, one spirit moving with the air that surrounds them.

The curtains open to the traditional sound of Elgar’s Enigma Variations (Nimrod) and the dancers slowly emerge from the mist, pristine public-school uniforms worn with pride. For the next 55 minutes, the audience is immersed in sound, movement and light. The essence of a farewell love letter to England is created through dance, sound and light.

The soundtrack is a journey in itself, a constantly changing mixture of traditional, choral, rock and electronica.  Sounds that are usually at odds with each other, yet here they blend and flow as one. Rock mixed in with a waterfall sound of fine bone china as it tinkles and breaks on impact. Maybe a breaking down of an old structure giving way for something new to be created from the remains. The school uniforms continue to morph, perhaps reflecting life, gradually becoming more dishevelled – rucksacks abandoned, blazers lost and rebellious ties appear around foreheads.

Dancers appear to vanish and reappear as though bid by a magician’s wand.

Tom Visser is the genius behind the extra dimension created by atmospheric lighting. Originally hailing from Ireland, Visser has an extensive portfolio of working with international dance companies. He uses lighting to highlight and hide aspects of the dance, deepening the dark and brooding side of movements. Dancers appear to vanish and reappear as though bid by a magician’s wand.

The production ends with the choral strains of Abide with Me. The once pristine school children now replaced by the outward signs of being spun in the melee of life. The last choral notes fade and the silent air is filled with birdsong. Sounds of nature after the frantic and energetic movement and music create a sense of contrast that feels eerie, only to be enhanced by a smoky mist that threatens to obliterate. Hands rise in unison as wrists slowly twist and turn into a Royal wave. A kiss is blown, birdsong ceases and stillness envelopes the senses creating a silence that goes on speaking long after the final curtain falls.

Shecter’s promise was to show England’s complex identity, conflicted by its dark history and powerful attachment to old traditions. Did I feel the complexities of life in England? I’m not sure I did. The underlying theme of the performance passed me by. Instead, I found myself immersed in the movements of the dancers, the beat of the music and the atmosphere of the lighting.

Like a coffee filter, I found my mind lingered on certain aspects. Fine bone china, with its ability to hold hot water, yet so fragile it fractures under pressure. And birdsong, haunting in its natural beauty, is fading as England’s green and pleasant lands vanish before our eyes.

A farewell note indeed.

From England with Love was at Blackpool Grand Theatre. See what else is coming up here.