Under Mask dance review: Masks, movement and ritual
This Taiwanese performance is a fiercely physical exploration of identity
Wooden martial arts poles, incense sticks and long bird feathers are used as props in this intense, impressive work from the Mailantia Dance Company, choreographed by Lai Yun-Chi. Under Mask takes its inspiration from the faces that we show, the identities we hide and the roles that we follow. Four dancers begin in flesh coloured underwear, with their faces painted in the traditional red, white and black paint often seen in Taiwanese temple celebrations. They cover half of their faces with leather steampunk-style masks, beginning a group dance of strident marching.
A section with the four dancers standing in front of one another is a highlight, as they interlock arms and sway heads and limbs in a fast rippling, hypnotic display. Solo dances allow each dancer to showcase body popping, headstands and athletic sweeping kicks and backflips. The 40-minute work is a fusion of east and west, where traditional Asian fitness movements, including tai chi, become interlaced with contemporary dance. The pace is fast, quickening until they seem to find a flow state of jagged animalistic shapes and battle sparring, with the gentle ting of tiny hand bells conjuring up ancient rituals.
Under Mask, Assembly Dance Base, until 30 August, 6.40pm; picture: 光俞Xieyu.