Renowned choreographer Mary Jane O’Reilly has returned with In Flagrante, currently playing in Auckland’s Basement Theatre, and a show that is definitely not your nana’s burlesque…
Renowned choreographer Mary Jane O’Reilly has returned with In Flagrante, a show that is definitely not your nana’s burlesque.
Combining aspects of contemporary dance with a modern approach to burlesque, In Flagrante offers viewers the unique experience of the thinking-man’s tease show.
From spoken word pieces inspired by the Edmond’s Cook Book, to bondage laced equestrian pieces, O’Reilly has created a show which truly does have a little something for everyone. Gloriously real bodies abound (often unbound) as flesh wibbles, jiggles, wriggles and writhes in a celebration of dance and femininity which will appeal to appeal to fans of contemporary dance and burlesque alike.
At times wildly funny, breath takingly beautiful, and thought provoking, In Flagrante is a show of great diversity that O’Reilly has carefully paced to keep the audience (and dancers) on their toes. Drawing upon her roots in contemporary dance, the choreographer uses the show as a platform to explore the more serious notions of the stereotypes of femininity and female sexuality, with a warmth and humour that softens the sometimes confronting subject matter.
Enough cannot be said of the stellar cast of dancers who worked so beautifully together as an ensemble, but also shine in their individual pieces to bring O’Reilly’s vision to life. Lara Fischel-Chisholm dominates the show with a commanding presence that fully embodies the controlling art of tease, while Megan Smith exudes confidence and charm as a bare breasted traffic control officer.
But it is Maria Munkowits in the show’s centre piece that is simply unforgettable. Blindfolded and with the aid of a large resistance band, Maria executes a performance which showcases the human body’s potential for control of movement.
Artful, playful and utterly intoxicating In Flagrante is not one to be missed.
In Flagrante is currently playing in Auckland’s Basement Theatre, visit http://www.basementtheatre.co.nz/whats-on/in-flagrante/ for ticketing and session details.
By Haley Beatson, 19 October 2011
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