How to move an audience? Physically move them, perhaps. Lebanese-French dance company Maqamat brings us Dance People, an interactive dance performance choreographed by Omar Rajeh and Mia Habis. Hosted in the Old College Quad, Dance People is a glorious experience which, despite some misgivings, ignites and unites audiences through questioning the powers that be.
Staging structures shift across the stage and paper lengths mark its perimeter. The dancers exchange knowing looks. Their bodies beating, thrumming, delighting in touching one another, knowing one another. Such vitality is palpable, largely owing to the beautiful force with which the dancers throw themselves into each movement, as well as the accompanying music which somehow both grounds and uplifts us.
Projected text asks us who we are, who the dancers are; we’re told that we are citizens; we’re given lists of verbs, reminiscent of our own autonomy. Despite their poetics, such sentiments are not entirely revolutionary and – with a not-too-cheap ticket from a festival whose unethical funding is currently under critique – it’s difficult to let such radical collectivity take root.
In playing with our participation, Dance People brilliantly critiques the power dynamics of performance itself. Through such instances, connection is offered: we dance, chant, and share tea with strangers – we are all audience and performer alike.
Dance People, Old College Quad, until 10 Aug, 8.30pm