from rock to rock... aka how magnolia was taken for granite: Review

From rock to rock... aka how magnolia was taken for granite premieres at Fierce Festival, and my god is it a marvel.

from rock to rock... aka how magnolia was taken for granite: Review

In Jeremy Nedd's exquisite dance theatre piece from rock to rock... aka how magnolia was taken for granite, the Milly Rock is pushed to its limits, illustrating the power of dance as a form of resistance and expression within the Black community. This truly stunning production strikes a delicate balance between social critique and jubilant celebration, creating a rich tapestry of experience that resonated deeply with audiences and was rightly met with a standing ovation.

The show is visually striking, employing a minimal yet impactful set design to convey powerful visual metaphors. A small rock hangs from the ceiling against a stark arctic backdrop, with five performers in cool-toned hoodies sitting beneath it, engaged in conversation. At the foot of the stage, a larger rock serves as a compelling anchor for the performance, with themes of erosion, isolation, and transformation immediately springing to mind as the performers transform into their own rock, morphing into different shapes as they traverse the stage as one being, as one culture. The lighting design enhances this exploration, utilising warm yellows and stark whites to complement the .

Nedd’s choreography pays homage to the cultural significance of dance, illustrating how movements like the Milly Rock have been appropriated by white creators, more specifically, by the team behind the viral video game Fortnite. From rock to rock takes pedestrian and gestural movement and enhances them, forming gorgeous, expressive dance sequences that convey so much, through so little. There is a masterful lyricism in Nedd’s choreography and his ability to evoke emotions that transcend words is unparalleled. This is particularly apparent in a scene during the middle of the production. An uplifting song plays, and the performers move joyously, with big smiles, one by one, eager to join in. It is unbridled black joy and was one of the most moving scenes from the performance.

The cast of this show are truly spectacular, and each performer brings a unique energy to the piece. They are more than just dancers; they are all multitalented. This is apparent from the middle of the piece, where the performance takes on a more chaotic tone. At one point, a performer emerges from the wings on a hoverboard, wearing a white stig helmet, and in another, a performer appears in enormous platform shoes made of rock. One of my favourite moments featured a preacher in a white wig at a piano with a microphone, taking typically Black phrases and transforming them into white ones through shifts in accent and tone of voice. This satirical commentary brilliantly highlights the absurdity of cultural appropriation while showcasing the performers' versatility and charisma. The balance between humour and critique was seamless throughout.

From rock to rock is undoubtedly the best and most breathtaking dance theatre production I have ever witnessed. It serves as a poignant reminder of the importance of acknowledging and celebrating the movement languages of the global majority while simultaneously paying homage to the richness of Black culture. I feel immeasurably lucky to have experienced it and know that from rock to rock will remain with me.

Author

Elisha Pearce

Elisha Pearce Voice Contributor

Elisha is a graduate of MA Theatre at the University of Lincoln. She currently lives in Staffordshire where she reviews productions at venues across the West Midlands. She is also a budding playwright and is currently developing a new play 'Elsie' which explores Alzheimers through a surrealist lens. Elisha has recently joined the Voice Contributor team and is super excited to write blogs, features and interviews on all things arts and culture!

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