4/4 by Chunky Move
Fluid Beauty Unveiled: 4/4 by Chunky Move Offers a Soothing Symphony of Movement
Reviewed by Brendan Daynes
4/4 is a mesmerising and soothing experience that washes over audiences in the Malthouse Theatre like waves of tranquility, embracing them in a dance of rhythmic precision. This collaborative endeavour between Antony Hamilton and Alisdair Macindoe unfolds as a captivating exploration of dance’s gentle power, captivating audiences as though they were beholding the entrancing dance of the flames of a warm fire.
At the core of this work lies the enthralling sound design by Alistair Macindoe, the rhythmic pulse resonates with a minimalist elegance throughout the entirety of the performance. The metronome-based sound design weaves through the performance like the crackling flames of a fire that ebb and flow mirroring the dancers’ seamless choreography. The harmony and discord of the music resonate with the balance of calm and intensity present in the dancers’ fluid movements. This sensory fusion is not just a performance, but an immersive experience that swirls around the audience, enveloping them in the soothing embrace of sound and motion.
The blank stage undergoes a transformative shift, becoming a haven for the dancers who utilise the space as a canvas where street aesthetics meld seamlessly with poetic precision. Antony Hamilton’s choreography entwines harmoniously with the accompanying soundtrack, creating a captivating symphony of movement that gently pulls the audience into a domain of serene rhythm. Within this graceful embrace, the intricate choreography emerges as the soulful essence, a convergence of precision and artistry, where dancers breathe life into each motion. Their dance, much like the delicate caress of flames upon the air, emits an aura of tranquility, weaving a harmonious fusion that leaves an enduring imprint.
Hamilton’s choreographic canvas expands to include staging decks, offering another layer to the storytelling. These ‘bodies’ become characters, engaging in a silent dialogue with the dancers – Mason Kelly, Melissa Pham, David Prakash, Harrison Ritchie-Jones, Aimee Schollum, Michaela Tancheff, Nikki Tarling, and Jayden Wall – much like embers whispering secrets within the hush of a cozy hearth. This choreographic tapestry performed is more than a visual feast; it’s a delicate dance of elements that speak the language of tranquility.
Amidst the noise of the world, 4/4 emerges as a meditation on graceful dance, a sanctuary of serenity within the storm. It’s an invitation to step into a world of soothing movement, a performance that touches the soul as gently as a breath of wind. Chunky Move’s 4/4 isn’t just a dance; it’s an experience that embraces viewers in a tender embrace, a dance of tranquility that invites them to be swept away in its soothing currents.
4/4 is supported by Creative Victoria, the Australian Council for the Arts and City of Melbourne and played at the Malthouse Theatre from 8 – 12 August 2023. For more information visit https://chunkymove.com/works/4-4/
