Review: Rambert's Haunting

Rambert are back at The Lowry to present a short run of Death Trap, a double bill comprising Cerberus (an interpretation of Orpheus and Eurydice) and Goat (a tale of ritual sacrifice performed to the songs of Nina Simone). In addition to the superb choreography both pieces include speech and music (and humour in parts), and in true Rambert style even the usual admonishments about mobile phone usage received a twist.

Cerberus starts with Eurydice’s birth and death and this morphs into her funeral where Orpheus, who has been dragged onto stage, delivers the eulogy. This is translated into English by a convenient friend with whom Orpheus hatches his plan to bring Eurydice back from Hades. The rest of the plot follows the original tale, including the cautionary warning about not looking back.

The dance is excellent, and exhausting to watch, and the costumes stunning. The music gives a dramatic edge to things, and just as you think that Orpheus has succeeded in dragging Eurydice back from death he turns around and all is lost. Blackout.

Full marks.

Goat is a rather different piece, featuring a band which provides the backing to renditions of classic Nina Simone songs. It skilfully highlights just how crass TV coverage of solemn events can be. Here, rather than sacrificing the eponymous goat, a human is chosen instead. We aren’t told why a sacrifice is necessary though, and even the TV interviewer is left in the dark.

Again, the dance here is energetic, but this dies down as the “Chosen One” is selected and prepared. Rather than be slaughtered though, he must dance himself to death. This is done to perfection, and it brought a lump to the throat. It would be unfair to give too much else away except to say that that isn’t the end, and the TV interviewer redeems herself.

Full marks again.

Death Trap continues at The Lowry until the 20th of April. Ticket available at this link. 

Written by Paul Schofield for Canal St Media. 

Published: 19-Apr-2024 (7455)