FunkISH

Friday 22 January 2016 20:30

Arnhem Stadstheater Kleine zaal

In this one hour, full of funk, the “Soul Train” takes the audience on a tour in the times of James Brown, Stevie Wonder, Michael Jackson and many more. The set-up of the show is almost identical to the program Soul Train; there is a host MC Abdel Baaddi similar to Don Cornelius, live music on a stage and of course the young dancers whom are dancing around the musicians. They are honouring the pioneers of this period.

ISH is a dance collective, well known for combining and connecting different dance styles, street art and other kind of movement languages. Besides making shows they are also investing in the educational field. I recognised both factors in their show Funkish.

The show contains a diversity of dance styles; house, electric boogaloo, waacking, popping, breaking and locking. Concerning the music, also here there is certainly no lack of diversity. They reinvented songs; for example ‘Superstitious’ ; doing a slow beatboxed version accompanied by a cello. 

A personal touch to their program is given by placing three video screens on the raised platform of the musicians. Here The screens show old television footage in which rappers and musicians explain the history of rap. The video and audio material is manipulated live by DJ Irie (live scratching and cinematic DJ.) 

The use of media, as a way to educate her public in the history of funk, is seen by TROUW as School-tv like (the use of media to teach kids in primary school). I totally disagree on that. I felt that  I really needed some explanation about were funk is originated and how it influences us still at this moment. In my opinion the use of media is very refreshing, I did not expect that they will use this type of communication because of the unrecognisable video screens. Besides focussing on one point (the screen) helped me to concentrate. The live scratching and cinematic DJ caused a funny and informal atmosphere.

Wendy Lubberding, reviewer of THEATERKRANT, sees a remix in bringing hiphop from the street to the theatre, which includes plush chairs and a frontal formation. She remarks that it took some time before the spark reignites. In her opinion this was due to the built-up of the show.

I also experienced waiting for the spark. I felt a little bit awkward and disconnected; me sitting stiff and strait on a chair and performers dancing like crazy. But I don’t think this is due to the built-up of the show. I think if the public would stand, it would create an atmosphere which is less official and more free which ensures that the spark will be passed on much faster.

Lubberding is not the only one who speaks about a strange built-up. Also TROUW speaks of the zoom in on the struggle for equality of black people as very sudden event. The reviewer thinks it detracts from the entertaining honour-your-heroes-party. For me this is a subject that is part of the story. If they would have not included this part they would have given a wrong image of this period. I cannot deny that this came suddenly, but I did not experienced it as disturbing.

At the show, it occurred to me that the audience was very mixed; young people, old people, people with other back grounds and race. This already shows the message; in music and dance people are one. A message that is clarified in this show. So if you're looking for an evening full music, dance, fun and solidarity, this is a show that you should definitely not miss.

Be quick these will be there last shows!

27 Jan. (20.00) De Maagd, Bergen op Zoom

28 Jan. (20.00) De Meenthe, Steenwijk

29 Jan. (20.30) De Kampanje, Den Helder

30 Jan. (20.15) De Lawei, Drachten

03 Feb. (20.15) De Meervaart, Amsterdam

http://www.thisisish.com/

Regie: Marco Gerris
Choreography: Shailesh Bahoran, Irie Weergang Bove (DJ Irie), Jorg Brinkmann, Tony Roe, Yordana Rodriguez,Tamara Robledo Oud, Argil Randon, Patrick Karijowidjojo, Tyrone Mening (understudy, stage), Lars de Vos (understudy, stage)
Light design: Mike den Ottolander
Costume: Arnold Put
Decor logo: Donald Beekman