The Inquisition of the Big Bad Wolf | Prying Eye
In this fun and quirky show, Prying Eye take one children's tale, a bare rehearsal space, one microphone and a wild creative vision and turn it into a rollicking adventure that has us moved, amused, and perturbed in turn.
This is contemporary dance, but not as you know it. Interdisciplinary works are all the rage at the moment, and this talented company have nailed the brief, fusing dance, theatre and performance art into a great big hilarious wonderland.
Image: Fenlan Photography
What this work-in-development lacks in polish it makes up for with sheer creativity and fabulous ambition. Fully committed, their comedic timing is excellent. For a brief moment at the start I wondered why this was included in a dance festival, and then a series of fabulous solos and group pieces demonstrated the diverse styles of the performers. The three performers are exquisitely graceful and deliberately loose-limbed by turn. Awkward, exploratory, repetitive movements soar into fully-committed solos that stretch the dancers to their length.
The show works on a rough premise that explores and re-frames the story of the three little pigs and the big bad wolf. But like every other fable, in our modern times we must re-examine our assumptions and explore new perspectives. What if the wolf was trying to save us from ourselves? What if the pigs were not as vulnerable as they tried to appear? Is there always a moral? And what if it was a trick question?
The fourth wall wavers in-and-out of reality. This is personal and reflective and shows the true colours of the performers. At the same time, it doesn’t take itself too seriously and is a great big bag of fun. Can’t wait to see the next iteration of this show.This the 2nd stage development of this full-length performance. This piece is hurtling towards its final incarnation. Look out for it on a festival stage near you.This is a company to watch. Just for the record, you heard it here first.
Image: Fenlan Photography
Co-creative directors & performers| Liz and Zaimon Vilmanis
Performer | Charles Ball
Guest performer | Alinta McGrady
The Inquisition of the Big Bad Wolf was performed at the Judith Wright Centre as part of Supercell Dance Festival 2017.
