Dance: The Reservation
6 October at 13:00, 7 October at 15:30 and 9 October at 15:30
Adam Small Auditorium
Going out to eat at a restaurant may seem frivolous. But in The Reservation, it is transformed into a layered commentary with intensity, conflict, and reflections on modern society.
The dance performance, produced by Figure of 8 Dance Theatre, expertly captures the bustling chaos of an urban restaurant where the staff work together like pieces in a puzzle. Each performer, captivating in their own right, forms part of a cleverly choreographed and intricate whole.
The Reservation, produced by Figure of 8 Dance Theatre, is performed by a group of 11 dancers in an expertly timed production that confronts social habits and reflects on modern society. PHOTO: Supplied/Woordfees
The group has clearly perfected their timing, as napkins, glasses and plates fly across the stage, along with the performers. Creating shapes and falling into synchronised movements, they interact as a unit.
The lighting and sound hold strong variation and intrigue, setting the tone and keeping the production lively and interesting. The props and costume design are simple yet used intentionally and maximised for impact as tables shift across the stage and glasses and forks are slammed and passed along the room.
Beyond the dance is a confronting take on social habits, politics, and dynamics in modern society. The performers move through scenes, with some dialogue followed by dance, where each character takes the audience into a new perspective.
In one scene, a couple enters the restaurant for dinner, but the man cannot take his eyes off his phone. His partner desperately attempts to get his attention. They shift positions and exchange movements, but his focus does not break. At the end of the number, the waiter removes the phone from his hand – a powerful symbol of how intentional conversation away from our devices has become something that, oftentimes, must be enforced.
Another scene sees the arrival of an influencer who takes snapshots of the food. She does not take a bite but hopes she will go viral. This is an energetic and humorous number that confronts the facade and hypocrisy of influencing culture.
The final scene is a group who receive the bill at the end of their visit to the restaurant and are shocked at the amount. They quickly jump into complaints and queries. Suddenly, the attention shifts to the restaurant owner, who uses the image of “hangman” to explain the pressures of never missing a “letter” or in this case, a customer’s request.
He describes running a restaurant as a rope that just keeps on getting tighter. Load shedding, rising costs of ingredients, and locally sourcing food makes the task almost impossible.
Watching The Reservation once did not feel like enough. It is almost as though every seat in the theatre would reveal more detail from a new angle.