Review: Hidden, Sadler’s Wells

Motionhouse presents Hidden in its triumphant London premiere. Hidden is conceived and directed by Kevin Finnan, co-founder of Motionhouse, and a visionary leader of these complex pieces. A spectacularly visceral production, Hidden is polished, professional and profound in every motion. As we take our seats, the video tableaus (Logela Multimedia and Barret Hodgson) display London skylines from the city to the suburbs, from congestion to peace.

In act one, the loud, pulsating rhythms of the music (Tim Dickinson and Sophy Smith) command attention and immerse us in the vista presented. As the lights dim, subtle observant figures appear, interacting with one another and with the city streets depicted. The deceptively simple physical frames (Davey Boyall and Arcangel) and fabric wrangling (Melanie Nute) are effortlessly deployed by powerful, elegant dancers. Their combined movement creates an artful counterbalance to the frames as they form kaleidoscopic shapes. The dancers appear entwined and captive, continuously ascending and descending with impeccable grace. Alongside their movement, rapidly changing imagery is used judicially to depict moments of past and present.

The choreography (Kevin Finnan, Daniel Massarella, and the cast) is both demanding and fluent. The individual athleticism of each dancer is breathtaking as they complete seemingly impossible feats of gymnastics worthy of any global competition. Their acrobatics and dance will have parkour enthusiasts desperate to emulate them. The endurance and stamina of each performer makes for compelling viewing, and as a troupe they support, enable, protect and assure one another as they appear and disappear. Each dancer is sinuous in their fluency and inspirational in their strength and surety.

The much-needed interval allows us to take a breath and explore our reactions to this intense production. Rarely does an audience return to the auditorium so promptly, keenly anticipating act two. We are met with a change of both pace and perspective as the dancers return, partially clad and scaling new structures, sure-footed. Their balance and agility make them appear resplendent as they extend their limbs to secure and release one another at incredible angles, cohesively covering the stage with fluidity.

There are also moments of real tenderness, enhanced by the astute lighting and design of Andrew Hammond. The height, depth, and breadth of the stage is fully utilised by both dancers and frames. These unyielding frames provide a structure for movement, as well as insidiously imprisoning individuals. Cocoons of plastic wrap (Oxo-biodegradable Masterbatch) are simultaneously protective and restrictive and the performers become reminiscent of caterpillars fighting to emerge. One of the many feats achieved by this fearless company is the blend of power and vulnerability, they are unafraid to express emotion and intimacy without reservation.

There is no doubt that the cast has worked closely with the creative and production teams. Motionhouse’s Hidden cast is a collaborative group of incredibly talented individuals. Each dancer brings personality, character, fluency, and expression. The Hidden acrobatic-dance company demonstrate consummate professionalism and trust that has been honed through rigorous rehearsal and mutual respect. In a highly discordant world, the trust, courage, and strength of these young performers is reassuring. They combine grace and timing to traverse obstacles both structural and internal, thereby exposing new imaginings of hope and possibilities as they revel in both their potential and fearlessness.

Conceived & Directed by Kevin Finnan
Assistant Direction by Daniel Massarella
Choreographed by Kevin Finnan, Daniel Massarella, and the cast
Produced by Louise Richards
Set Design by Simon Dormon
Costume Design by Cathy Eddolls
Lighting & Technical Design by Andrew Hammond
Score / Music by Tim Dickinson and Sophy Smith
Digital & Video Design by Logela Multimedia and Barret Hodgson
Co-commissioners by FABRIC, Birmingham Hippodrome, and Warwick Arts Centre
Metal fabrication by Davey Boyall and Arcangel
Fabric wrangling by Melanie Nute
Creative consultant and content development (film) by Leon Finnan

Hidden is running at Sadler’s Wells East until Saturday 31 October, and will then tour regionally starting in January.