REVIEW | Little Murmur

The Aakash Odedra Company, known to Melbourne audiences for their work in Samsara (Asia TOPA 2020), returned to the Arts Centre Melbourne with another engaging dance-theatre piece, Little Murmur. Inspired by choreographer and dancer Aakash Odedra’s personal experiences with dyslexia, this piece uniquely combines dance, technology, and animated sequences, inviting audiences to see the world through a different lens.

The performance runs for a succinct 40 minutes, intricately crafting a world that challenges and expands perceptions. While the production avoids a clear linear narrative, this artistic choice reflects the non-linear way a person with dyslexia might experience the world. The result is an honest, funny, and deeply emotional portrayal of overcoming challenges.

The choreography reflects Odedra’s rich background in bharatanatyam and kathak, enhanced by his collaboration with Bollywood choreographer Shiamak Davar. The movement vocabulary is intricate and deeply rooted in classical Indian dance, executed with exceptional precision by Subhash Viman Gorania. His performance is mesmerising, capturing a full spectrum of emotions that resonate deeply with the story’s themes. The varied movement dynamics are impressive, with some movements being short, sharp, and robotic—mirroring the fragmented thoughts of a dyslexic person—while others are much longer and more fluid. This variation keeps the audience enthralled throughout the performance.

A standout feature of this production is the exceptional use of technology. The integration of projections and props/sets creates a visually stunning experience that is almost a show in itself. The visual technology, developed by Ars Electronica Futurelab (Austria), interacts seamlessly, adding layers of meaning and emotion to the performance. The projections, which depict words and letters flying like flocks of birds, enhance the narrative by illustrating the struggles and triumphs in a visually captivating manner.

Composer Nicki Wells, under the musical supervision of Nitin Sawhney, provides a hauntingly beautiful score that complements the emotional depth of the performance. The music, combined with the visual and choreographic elements, creates a multi-sensory experience that is both moving and memorable.

Little Murmur is a story of universal hope and quiet triumph, beautifully illustrated through dance and technology, that leaves a lasting impression that encourages the audience to reflect on their own perceptions and thought processes. Subhash Viman Gorania’s mesmerising performance, combined with innovative technology and compelling choreography, create a visually and emotionally rich experience that highlights the unique challenges and triumphs of living with dyslexia.

Little Murmur will be performed at Arts Centre Melbourne from 27th July until 4th August followed by seasons at Sydney Opera House and Adelaide Festival Centre throughout August. For more information on the production in Melbourne visit https://www.artscentremelbourne.com.au/whats-on/2024/dance/little-murmur. For performances at other venues, visit the respective venue’s website.