REVIEW: Something About Us: WYDmoves's Got Talent
It is a cold, Friday afternoon and there is more snow on the way; however the weather sets the mood for Night Vision, the opening piece of Daft TV, where two astronauts transform Garter Lane stage and begin our journey. Daft TV, presented by Waterford Youth Arts's WYDmoves, is a contemporary youth dance performance inspired by the music of Daft Punk. Created by Parisian musicians Guy Manuel de Homem Christo and Thomas Bangalter, the music of Daft Punk ranges from fast-paced beats to atmospheric love songs. The variety of music chosen by the director and choreographer of Daft TV, Trish Murphy, is excellent and allows the performers to express their energy, humour and talents.
As well as a journey through the music of Daft Punk, which calls forth "the memory of switching on MTV", it is a journey that highlights many elements in the culture of 21st century Ireland. TV, video games, break-dancing, the construction industry (Work is Never Over), zombies (Mummies Alive Coming For You) and, of course, young love, all feature as themes. These elements are further enhanced by imaginative and well-crafted video design by video artist John Loftus and video animator Neil O’Driscoll. Although the lighting design, particularly in the second half of the show, could have further heightened the choreography in places, it did reflect the atmosphere of many of the pieces. The costume design (Steph Atkins) and the hair and make up (Terri Murphy) also added to the visual impact of the choreography, emphasising the overall theme of the show: "a tongue-in-cheek look at TV".
More than forty young performers attend weekly WYDmoves classes and although the wintry weather prevented some performers from making the show, the show (and the snow) did go on. Considering these challenges and the broad age range of performers, from the young to the young-at-heart, the dancers and the production team created an entertaining, thought provoking, stylised and heart-warming contemporary performance. The importance of dance, and the arts, for personal development is emphasised by this performance as the participants can develop their confidence and creativity while making friends along the way. Events like Daft TV offer young people an opportunity to work with professionals, which is key to the development of young dancers and performers as professionals and as the arts audience of the future. In a month where doom, gloom and snow are in the air, Daft TV was a journey well worth taking. |
