Overview
Rifleman's Double Bill is an original dance theatre production which explores themes relevant to our times, our lives. Crossing boundaries between dance, theatre, puppetry, music and spoken word to create a synthesis of performance art, Terrain and Amanimal are conceptual studies of man, animal and the world we inhabit.
Celebrating it's 10th anniversary this year, Terrain asks what it means to be human. It reminds us of the delicate balance required for life to exist and of the inevitable change. The performers set the needle and vintage records crackle to life. On a tiny kitset plywood stage, complete with artificial grass and vintage toy cars, performers create their environment, building it up and breaking down. Shaping it, while at the same time inevitably becoming a product of the world they inhabit. Anita Hunziker and Luke Hanna played their parts faultlessly, demonstrating a strong connection and incredible focus. Though a slow start, Terrain builds in intensity and draws you in to this living breathing art installation.
Though there are certain consistencies you would expect from two pieces worked on by the same choreographer - Malia Jonhston, Amanimal is a different kettle of fish. Raw, powerful, tender and funny, Amanimal explores the relationships between humans and animals and the different ways we value and devalue animals in our lives and society. Superb live music from Eden Mulholland combined with a versatile set, video projections and two great performers, Ross McCormack and Paul Young, makes for a rich theatre experience. Technology can sometimes take away from a performance, but here it only adds depth and enhances.
Both Terrain and Amanimal are serious and intense works, yet playful and explorative at the same time. Certainly not your average dance recital. I personally preferred the more upbeat and witty Amanimal, but both pieces were carefully constructed and choreographed and beautifully presented. A sure sign of more great things to come from Rifleman's Productions.