Carlos Acosta: On Before. Theatre Royal Plymouth, till 28 February 2024. 5✩✩✩✩✩ Review: Cormac Richards
There are not many chances in life to see an artist perform who has been regarded as the best in the world. At 50, there are probably limited opportunities left to see Carlos Acosta dance live. Thus his current tour ‘On Before’ is gathering huge audiences as those who have followed his career and those who are new to his work are drawn in like a very powerful magnet.
Comprising nine vignettes the evening begins with a soundscape of falling rain and distant thunder with droplets covering the curtain; the sombre theme set from the off; Acosta acknowledging the piece is part homage to his late Mother. Although performed before, the work has been updated and reconfigured.
Acosta is partnered by the equal talent of Laura Rodríguez and the two create duets and solo performances of beauty, creativity and power. They complement each other well as one can imagine.
The programme begins with the duo ‘On Before’ choreographed by Will Tuckett; a close symmetry of dance, counterpointed by John Adams’ ‘Christian Zeal & Activity’; the fluidity of movement punctuated by the spoken word. Sublime. There is a claustrophobic feel to the whole with ‘Sirin’ suggested a trapped bird and the stunning and unforgettable ‘Two’ where Acosta uses his physique to full effect in the confines of a small box of light – it ends the first half with gasps from the audience.
The stage is strewn with lit candles giving space for Rodríguez to offer more expansive movement to the strains of the aria ‘Per te lasciai la luce’ from Handel’s Italian cantata ‘Delirio Amoroso’; it is visually and aurally arresting. This is followed by something completely different as a stage screen is projected with a slow motion film of the two protagonists – as the evening has defined them – up very close and personal; physical, emotional and exploring all emotions of a relationship. It is unexpected and riveting.
The show closes with the end of the partnership as the life of one of the two ends and are transported to another life. Throughout the show a group of people (silent observers? life continuing as the troubled couple deal with their issues and angst?) walk back and forth across the stage, sometimes in a formation and sometimes not, their part in the proceedings only revealed at the very end as they form an ethereal choir performing Morten Lauridson’s ‘O Magnum Mysterium’ – it is stirring and an utterly fitting climax. It was wonderful that this choir were created from local organisations; Exeter Festival Chorus, South West Chamber Choir, ExeVox, Andrea Brown, Dartington Community Choir and The Collati Singers.
This is a show to make you think, to ponder, to absorb and to admire. Acosta and Rodríguez are mesmerising and sublime; the dynamics between them are extraordinarily varied and powerful. The choreography by Will Tuckett, Miguesl Altunga, Yury Yankowsky, Russell Maliphant, Kim Brandstrup, Beatriz Garcia, Raul Reinoso, George Cespedes, Carlos Acosta and Zenaida Yanowsky is extraordinary throughout. The music takes us through the ages from Handel to Acosta’s home of Cuba; inspired choices.
The programme holds together as an exploration of human emotion at its most vulnerable.
As ever, with dance, the lighting is often a ‘character’ all of its own and this never disappoints; how the blurred movement visuals are created in ‘Two’ is a wonder; cinematic and unforgettable.
Carlos Acosta has said that this is one of his most important works and while his multitude of fans may wish to see him in the classical ballet roles he is known for, his contemporary dance work is here to see for all and in a theatre where no one wanted the show to end it was a true privilege to witness.
Cast & Creatives
On Before
Choreography: Will Tuckett
Music: Boosey & Hawkes for Christian Zeal & Activity - music by John Adams
Lighting Design: Chris Davey
Performed by: Carlos Acosta & Laura Rodríguez
Memoria
Choreography: Miguel Altunaga
Music – Written by Fernando Corona, performed by Murcof, published by District 6 Music Publishing Ltd Courtesy of The Leaf Label & District 6.
Memoria performed by Murcof used courtesy of The Leaf Label by arrangement with Woodwork Music
Lighting Design: Chris Davey
Performed by: Carlos Acosta
Sirin
Choreography: Yury Yanowsky
Music: Alberto Iglesias - Luces En La Ventana from Vacas; Piece 1 from Dispara; Fragment 1 from La Ardilla Roja
Lighting Design: Chris Davey
Performed by: Laura Rodríguez
Two
Choreography: Russell Maliphant Music: Andy Cowton
Lighting Design: Michael Hulls
Performed by: Carlos Acosta
Footnote to Ashton
Choreography: Kim Brandstrup Music: Handel
Performed by: Laura Rodríguez
Falling Deep Inside
Director: Estudio 50
Digital Direction: Robin Pedraja
Sound Design: James Symonds
Music: Little People Moon & Start Shootin
Nosotros
Choreography: Beatriz García & Raúl Reinoso
Lighting & Costume Design: Beatriz García and Raúl Reinoso
Music - Piano & Arrangements: José V. Gavilondo
Music - Cello: Alejandro Martinez
Performed by: Carlos Acosta & Laura Rodríguez
Hand Duets
Choreography: George Céspedes & Carlos Acosta
Music: Omar Puente – Parallel Lives
Performed by: Carlos Acosta & Laura Rodríguez
O Magnum Mysterium
Choreography: Carlos Acosta & Zenaida Yanowsky
Music: The Choir perform Morten Lauridsen’s O Magnum Mysterium Creative Producer: Simon Elliott
Performed by: Carlos Acosta & Laura Rodríguez