nEW, But A Little Old

For its program at the nEW Festival, Group Motion presented a trio of short works plus one large suite. Mysterium II featured Elrey Belmonti and Bethany Formica in an ethereal duet where the pair investigated different approaches to supporting and coupling. Repeatedly folding and arching their bodies above and aside one another and then gently drifting to the floor so as to become one, the duo were like two organic pulsating halves of a whole.

The seven-part Screen concerned Internet dating and the enduring quest for interpersonal connection in a remote, high-tech world. Featuring text, video, theater, music and postmodern dance of both pure movement and pedestrian gesture, the piece delved into the difficulty of ascertaining what is real and what is false in the dating.com realm. The various sections were ably executed; however, the general theme and visual format have been well travelled by Group Motion. Consequently Screen carried a been-there-done-that quality. The exception being "screen VI: Ãme," where Laina Fischbeck, in a red outfit perfect for Brazilian Carnival, became a fiery figure whose body kicked, jerked and vigorously undulated as if being infiltrated by a wild spirit. Traversing all corners of the stage, Fischbeck's antics increased in momentum until she seemed like a possessed voodoo goddess. Her inspired performance offered the jolt of a lightning bolt.

Group Motion, June 3, nEW Festival, Arts Bank

—Deni Kasrel

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