Silk Road by Agudo Dance Company
Lilian Baylis Studio, Sadler's Well Theatre, London
Choreographer Jose Agudo introduces his new company to the public with a dramatic display of Spanish flamenco, Indian Kathak and contemporary dance. The three part production of Silk Road captures a modern portrayal of East meets West with the ambition to conjure imagery of those traveling across the Asian continent along the ancient trade route of the Silk Road. The stripped back intimate space of the Lilian Balysis Studio Theatre at Sadler’s Wells lays bare the magnificent talents of Agudo, his guest performer, renowned classical Indian dancer, Marvin Khoo, and their two captivating live musicians.
The initial phase of the evening features two contrasting solos from Agudo, a fiercely powerful flamenco combination choreographed by Rafael Amargo and an expressively smooth Kathak performance created by Nahid Siddiqui. The flamenco style demonstrates Agudo’s Spanish roots as he masters the frantic rhythms with controlled confidence. The production feels bold with stark white light creating angular shapes around the space. This atmosphere switches as the stage is flooded with a soft orange light and Agudo dons the Ghungroos ankle bells for his Kathak solo. This atmospheric change is reflected in Agudo’s whole being as he performs with a stunning sense of sensitivity. Agudo shows an astonishing ability to master these juxtaposing styles. But whether it is the masculine flamenco or the spiritual Kathak, Agudo manages to find common ground with his furiously fast moving feet. Although these opening solos exhibit Agudo’s dexterous versatility, they feel like a segregated showcase with little connection to the overall thematic intensions of the work.
Part two seems to have more depth as Agudo is joined by guest artist Mavin Khoo. In spite of their physical differences, the duo show perfect synchronisation in the fusion of experimental Kathak and flamenco. This hybrid feels dynamically integrated but still feels stylistically separate – there is either a contemporary fusion of flamenco or Kathak, not a full integration of all three. However, the movement language still maintains intrigue and it is this movement, along with the pathways that are covered, and the emotional intent that is establish, that generates the desired thematic idea of a culturally diverse journey. This highly accomplished duet shines a light on how out of place the initial solos are. There is no denying the skill of the choreography and the dancers’ ability but Silk Road struggles as a full coherent evening of work.
Photo credits: Danilo Moroni, Fonteini Christofilopoulou, and John Ross