Last weekend of May was a great chance for performing-arts aficionados to get their fill of rhythm and motion and  plenty was on offer from two professional companies, one local and the other international. However, watching them back to back, in the afternoon and evening, felt like having somewhat unfulfilling meals one after another.

At Gossip Gallery on 28 Soi Sukhumvit, "M Project" was staged by the Bangkok Troupers. This production comprised various performance disciplines and aimed at resembling different sections of a newspaper.

The economic section was represented by a solo pantomime about a man who had to rob stores to support his family. Although Suwat Suwandechochai seemed a little less than masterly in his silent actions, they were at least clear enough for the audience to follow what was going on. The story, though, was pretty predictable: the man robbed, went home, was followed by the police and, of course, got shot trying to escape.

The political page was portrayed using creative moves created by Silpakorn Kongsakul. It showed four performers, with their faces painted blue, fighting each other over the possession of a "chair". The scene was followed by a "fast forwarded" version of butoh by Aachavit Krissanasuwon.

He walked down the stairs with a bunch of white flowers, put them down and went back with a picture frame he had picked up, all the while looking tormented.

As that show was portraying the social section, perhaps, what Aachavit wanted the audience to notice was how people today are often without "life", being "framed" within social constraints.

There was not much to the choreography and apart from using the stairs, it was a shame that all  three little shows barely made use of the art gallery's unique trapezoidal space. Also, the striking photographs by Shanghai-based artist Meleonn, exhibited at the gallery, unfortunately, did not contribute to the performance or vice versa.

The issue of managing performing space continued in the evening, too, but in a different manner. Though they say it takes two to tango, it definitely takes more than that to put on a tango production.

As King Power Complex's Aksra Theatre was used the previous night to host the "Miss Thailand Universe" contest, there was only half a day left on Sunday to prepare "The Four Seasons" tango show by Artango Dance Company from Argentina. (The group is on a Southeast Asian tour.)

As a result, the lighting cues were a total mess as if the crew just winged it right then. Equally annoying was the white projection screen that was on stage for unwanted shadows of the dancers' calves to be cast upon throughout the performance. If it were not for the six highly skilled dancers, the show could have turned out to be a catastrophe.

Although there was a story - about a man looking for the girl of his dreams throughout the changing seasons - the show was still, obviously, made to showcase the dancers' abilities.

What was great about these three pairs was their variety. Fernanda Ghi and Guillermo Merlo were especially elegant. More sensual were Paola Jean Jean and Nicolas Cobos, while Ana Padron and Diego Blanco had their shining moments, doing fast, small steps. All proved to be great "technicians" and were also expressive and passionate about their performance.

In the end, nevertheless, one must admit that the tango vocabulary is rather limited, no matter how exciting the steps may be. Consequently, contemporary dance movements were added to a full-length performance to avoid repetitiveness. Yes, they served their duty all right, but some might feel they did not look too right when placed among other tango steps.

written by Jasmine Baker

published in The Nation on Friday, June 6, 2008

photo courtesy of Friends of the Arts Foundation