Spek

Linda Olthof's Spek, a half hour physical action performance piece, influenced by painter Francis Bacon, gives us the concept "Without an Accident We Cannot Play." It starts with what looks like the result of an accident: a car crash or an explosion, with the bent and broken bodies of dancers flung about and plastered on the walls and floor of the open set. The company consists of two women who dance rather nicely, one actor who moves a bit and breathily groans much anguish, and one Dancer, Evelien Riemens. There are amusing sections such as the four of them in an upright imaginary bed forming combinations, very imaginative physical postures as mannequins/robots, and an exciting section as Riemens explores wall, ceiling and the rungs of the ladder she dances and stretches on- rightside up and upside down. Her fluid flexibility as she bounces, flies, and relates to the ladder is enchanting.

Olthof's idea of her group working together intensely to create new physical-oriented theater each year has given us an engaging work, and I look forward to next year's endeavor.