Review: ADELAIDE FRINGE 2017: IN(NATE)TURE at First Creek Wetlands Amphitheatre, Adelaide Botanic Gardens

Reviewed by Christine Pyman, Friday 25th February 2017

in(nate)ture , directed by CayLeigh Davies and presented by The Human Arts Movement, is a contemporary dance piece about nature, and mankind's connections with it, whether good or bad. It is set, appropriately enough, in the new wetlands at the Adelaide Botanic Gardens, a beautiful setting which becomes eerily otherworldly at dusk, as the light fades and bats fly overhead. There is also something about an outdoor amphitheatre that lends itself to the contemplation of nature and natural history, so the scene for this performance is perfect.

The choreography of unfolding, blossoming plant-like motions slides into an awakening of interconnection which, unfortunately, is not quite echoed by the music, by Chris Larkin, and Tim Whitt, or the synchronisation of the dancers. There is then the intervention of disposable human trash, and mechanisation showed by excitingly muscular controlled motion and automated sound, but let down by the obviousness of the costuming.

Individually, the dancer/choreographers: Rita Bush, Cazna Brass, CayLeigh Davies, Peter Vayne, and Kendal Winton, and their movements, were beautifully controlled and used and, overall, the choreography was stunning, as was the setting, so it's just the little things that disappoint in this production. It is still well worth seeing.

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