Sudesh Adhana is striking in Solvi Edvardsen's Man
Man | Solvi Edvardsen in collaboration with Sudesh Adhana | New Works | The Annex | February 1, 2019
As the last stop on their cross-Canada tour, Norwegian choreographer Solvi Edvardsen and collaborator Sudesh Adhana brought the captivating solo show Man to Vancouver. Performed by Adhana, the piece features a small, square metal stool, talcum powder, and precise, strong movements.
Adhana was striking as he displayed exquisite balance and strength, standing on the small stool and jumping up and over it. The stool became an important dance partner.
He spoke about his father being a warrior, about not wanting to die in a plane crash or war, and about not knowing what kind of death he’ll have. Along with Edvardsen’s strong angular lines, there was an influence from Adhana’s training in classical Indian dance.
Short, surreal film clips played in the background, one of Adhana lying in a stream of running water, another of him roaming a forest. Various sections of the work were clearly delineated by strategic sound and lighting choices, adding to changes in tone and texture.
After relentless displays of strength and precision, Adhana coats himself in white talcum powder, giving the piece a ritualistic conclusion and leaving us with the striking image of the white powder contrasted against the dark stage.