Tohu Urban Disturbance

Overview

Forms twist and writhe impossibly in the velvety darkness. Figures emerge, surging with energy, to inhabit the space, filling it with their strong and vibrant presence. The eclectic mix of pedal and microphone choreography, video projection, live waiata, electronic music and fashion creates an intriguing and original performance. Tohu Urban Disturbance 2012 is not your typical dance production. Against the warehouse backdrop of Shed 1 in the Corban Estate Arts Centre it seems more like a living, breathing art installation.

The much anticipated double bill from contemporary Maori dance company Atamira is an inquiry into Maori culture and its position within our current social environment. The two short works, which were performed at Q Theatre earlier this year, have evolved into full-length pieces under the talented direction of artistic director Moss Patterson and  company founding member Jack Gray.

Mitimiti is a reference to a small coastal town in North Hokianga which is home to Gray's mother's whakapapa. It is both bold and subtle in the way it examines the relationship between urban Maori and cultural practice through a series of acts, ranging from the dark, the humorous and the absurd. The performance was a surprising mixture of styles. Changes of pace and direction kept me guessing and engaged at every turn.

Inspired by the ancient art of Ta Moko, or body tattoo, Moko explores change, responsibility and connection. While Mitimiti played out through inividual characters and was dynamic and multifaceted, the power of Moko was in its unity. It asserts its powerful presence with a spectacular opening that will remain in my mind for days to come. It is a different style of performance and the dancers engage with one another, working together as one sinewy mass of pulsating muscle. But while the complex and demanding routine was very impressive, for me it lacked some of the drama and intrigue of Mitimiti.

Sometimes you are privileged enough to see a rare gem of a performance. I'd say Tohu Urban Disturbance is one of them. Hats off to Atamira for their daring originality. Every movement in the edgy and professional dance production resonated with purpose and power, resulting in an impressive and memorable performance. I'm definitely looking forward to seeing more from them in the future.