Review: Inside Giovanni’s Room, Sadler’s Wells East

In celebration of James Baldwin’s 100th birthday, Phoenix Dance Theatre, a Leeds-based contemporary dance company led by Artistic Director and choreographer Marcus Jarrell Willis, has transformed Baldwin’s modern classic, Giovanni’s Room, into an electrifying dance piece. 

Giovanni’s Room, written by Baldwin in 1956, is set in 1950s Paris, and follows American David as he embarks on an affair with Italian bar tender Giovanni, while his girlfriend, Hella, is away in Spain. It contains themes of love, guilt and self-acceptance, as well as feelings of isolation and loneliness.

It must be said, the adaptation, by Willis and dramaturg Tonderai Munyevu, is superb. Fans of the book will not be disappointed; it remains faithful to the original material and evokes the same, if not a more intense, emotional response than the novel did. 

The performance begins with David reflecting on his memories. It then transitions through to his first encounter with Giovanni, Hella’s return, and culminates in the outcome of the affair. 

The production feels timeless, bringing the story into the present with a set designed by Jacob Hughes, which features two boxes, the smaller of which represents Giovanni’s room. This design creates a claustrophobic and erotic atmosphere as the two men are melting into each other in the confined space.

Teige Bisnought as David is frantic and sharp, as he grapples with the haunting thoughts of his past and his longing for Giovanni, mixed with the expectations set upon him. At times, it seems as if his body moves without his permission; he is out of control. Dylan Springer is serpent-like and exacting in his movements as Giovanni on his first encounter with David, and his solo that opens act two is spellbinding. 

The pair’s chemistry is fearless, their bodies intertwining like snakes in a passionate game of chase. Willis’s choreography is emotion-led and captivating, showcasing a kaleidoscopic range of emotions, with each character exhibiting distinctive patterns and styles. 

There is a great sense of ensemble from the company as they transform between the free and vibrant movement of the people in Guillaume’s bar and the regimented structure of the American Express, which one cannot help but compare to what we are witnessing across the Atlantic today.

Lighting designer Luke Haywood’s work is exceptional, segmenting the stage and shifting between David’s memories and the present. The use of shadows adds a beautiful dimension, particularly in moments shared between David and his father.

Music composed by Marc Strobel is intense and gripping, with moments of soaring orchestration juxtaposed with high-pitched drones and nails down a chalkboard noises, adding heartfelt emotion and keeping the stakes of the piece high. The only moment of silence amid the chaos comes during Hella’s letter to David, a solo performance where Dorna Ashory moves nimbly, exhibiting brilliant breath work that captivates and offers a moment of clarity for the audience and the characters.

Inside Giovanni’s room is an electric adaptation of James Baldwin’s novel, with captivating performances and fresh, exciting choreography that bring this modern classic squarely into the present day.

Artistic director & choreographer: Marcus Jarrell Willis
Dramaturg by: Tonderai Munyevu
Composed by: Marc Strobel
Costume Design by: Melissa Parry
Set Design by: Jacob Hughes
Lighting Design by: Luke Haywood
Produced by: Phoenix Dance Theatre

Inside Giovanni’s Room plays at Sadlers Wells East until Saturday 14th June.