Nicky Marr is hilarious.
Ever since leaving La Mama theatre on Wednesday night I’ve felt like I know a little secret – and I just can’t stop smiling!
Just as she does in her act, she has left me interpreting every person and movement as a dance.
Marr’s performance is part monologue, part dance, and non-stop comedy.
She plays a woman who had once aspired to be a dancer but who now – older and reflective – contemplates the true meaning of being a dancer.
The single protagonist is female, but it’s not a single gender show – the man enjoying himself laughing behind me proved that.
Despite my little knowledge of dance Marr’s production introduced me to a human being I could relate to, and simultaneously showed me the little dances we do ourselves; those of life.
Marr shares with us the graceless realities of
dancing; putting to words the stream of consciousness of someone going clubbing (before the drugs kick in) and demonstrating the unheard thumping of one’s footsteps.
Resisting gravity becomes an awkward dance of balance and counter-balancing movements, and Marr uses the little theatre to its full potential as she stumbles through ballet slippers to high heels before eventually giving in to some basic sandals.
Between laughter, I realized that Marr’s clumsy dance movements could tell her story better – and more honestly – than any polished ballet or contemporary dance.
I would recommend her act to anyone who has ever aspired to be a dancer as she has convinced me that we are all exquisite dancers, whether we are waiting for a tram or merely desiring to be touched.
Her ability as a solo performer is exceptional, and she is beautifully complimented by the supportive team – the costume designers as well as sound designer Milo Fisher.
It was a thrill to see such an intimate play! The theatre was cosy yet classical, perfectly accomodating Marr’s personal, theatrical story.
I think everyone can gain from seeing Marr’s play, however they interpret her story.
Little Dances runs at the La Mama Theatre till April 14.
Sofia Sabbagh
