Review: Winter Double Bill (Toronto Dance Theatre)

Toronto Dance Theatre (TDT) presents Winter Double Bill, the company's first mainstage production of the season, featuring two distinct works: FACE RIDER by Fran Chudnoff in collaboration with Driftnote and Angela Cabrera, and Odd-Sensual, a work by Artistic Director Andrew Tay in collaboration with TDT ensemble members.

Let's be clear: these works are not for everyone. While I might hesitate to bring my mom to this show, they were absolutely, one-thousand percent for me. Toronto Dance Theatre is showcasing innovative works that stand out in the city's dance scene, and I am all for it!  For millennials like myself, these works felt like a targeted delight. They're packed with striking queer aesthetics, memes, and some catchy music clips. Despite their major differences, FACE RIDER and Odd-Sensual complement each other well.

The first work to open the show is Odd-Sensual, created by Andrew Tay through conversations with members of the TDT ensemble (Yuichiro Inoue, Peter Kelly, Megumi Kokuba, and Erin Poole). It focuses on intimate bodily sensations, prior to moments of release. The four dancers rock back and forth in statuesque poses. The movements and positions build throughout the work, eventually getting into these rocking positions intertwined with other dancers. There is the occasional smirk between performers, but other than that, it is more of a meditative performance where audiences are left wondering how close to the edge they will get. For me, the work evokes a nod to the history of erotic statues, reminding us of the timeless connection between art, the human body, and sensuality.

Dancers begin the work by lighting different small pedestal-mounted incense figurines around the stage, which they blow out, bringing us into pure darkness before they begin. Blackouts allow dancers to enter into a different rocking position before the next blackout. Although I continue to reference the ideas of statues, that does not mean the work is not physical. Some of the rocking includes full sit-up type rocking motions, others rock into plank-like positions. I thoroughly enjoyed a teeter-totter moment where the four dancers rock back and forth towards each other - bringing back memories of Martha Graham’s exercises on 6.

During the blackouts, haze drifts into the space, adding a layer of intrigue. I particularly enjoyed how this haze blurred the audience in the background, as the performance is in the round (really in a square). This effect created a more intimate and personal atmosphere, as if the performance was a one-on-one interaction. For those planning to attend, I highly recommend choosing seats directly surrounding the performance space to fully experience this unique element of the show.

Chris Malkowski's lighting design complements both works throughout the show, seamlessly transitioning the space from a bright and warm sensual ambiance to the distinct atmosphere of FACE RIDER. Created by Fran Chudnoff in collaboration with dancers, musicians, and designers, this work features performances by Chudnoff themselves, TDT cast member Roberto Soria, and guest performers Cal, Driftnote, Ryan Kostyniuk, and Jessica Mak.

Chudnoff's explanation offers the clearest insight into the essence of this work: “a slippery bog made for gender deviance, glittery resurrection, and live laugh loving the mess of togetherness.” Originally when I read that it was a “queer, indie, swamp dump” I was incredibly intrigued. The piece more than lived up to my expectations.

The space is washed in red light when you enter. A performer navigates the stage perimeter on a bicycle equipped with towering handlebars, exuding a hauntingly emo-indie aura. At the stage's heart lies an imposing mound composed of denim, refuse, and hair extensions, from which billows of smoke eerily rise. A lone sword protrudes from this chaotic heap. The stage is strewn with hair extensions, adorning not just the bike's handles but also the lights and the performers' attire, creating a cohesive and intriguing visual motif. Accompanying this visual spectacle are swampy, ambient sounds that further immerse the audience in this enigmatic and captivating world.

This piece is so rich in references and details that it practically demands a second viewing. From nods to pop culture like Lady Gaga's "There Could Be 100 people in the room" meme, to the "have you ever" meme and a clip on the spectacle of Dr. Phil, the work is a treasure trove for the observant viewers. Despite not being heavy on movement, the piece is a feast for the senses with its eclectic mix of sounds, aesthetics, and fashion. The performers' movements, with their indie, queer flair and a continuous motion of bobbing with hunched-shoulders are really fun to watch.

The program notes that the piece draws inspiration from the lore and iconography of the hermit, the hog, and the himbo. I would love to find more information on these archetypes to delve deeper into the work's imagery. One of my favourite moments in the work is a conversation between two performers, revolving around the theme of "we should talk about it," which cleverly plays into the millennial meme of avoiding confrontation and definition.

A special shoutout is deserved for Costume Designer Angela Cabrera, whose creations are some of the most incredible I've seen on stage. Cabrera is now on my dream team list of creators to work with.

It's hard to write all that this piece encompasses, but this is to say - I am a big fan of Fran Chudnoff’s work, and I cannot wait to see what they bring to the stage next. If you missed the show, and are interested to see the works, I highly recommend catching it via live stream. It's a great start to the Mainstage season for Toronto Dance Theatre!

Winter Double Bill, presented by Toronto Dance Theatre, is playing until February 17th, 2024. It plays at the Winchester Street Theatre (80 Winchester Street, Toronto, Ontario, M4X 1B2). Ticket prices are on a sliding scale from $10 to $45. A livestreamed recording will be available on-demand to watch until March 1st with tickets ranging from $5 to $15. You can buy tickets online here.

For more information:
TDT.org Facebook and Instagram: @torontodancetheatre, Twitter: @TOdancetheatre

Photo 1: Megumi Kokuba, Peter Kelly, Erin Poole and Yuichiro Inoue in "Odd-Sensual" by Andrew Tay (2024). Lighting Design by Chris Malkowski. Costume Styling by Andrew Tay. Photo by Marlowe Porter.

Photo 2: Jessica Mak in "FACE RIDER" by Fran Chudnoff (2024). Lighting Design by Chris Malkowski. Costume Design by Angela Cabrera. Photo by Marlowe Porter.

Written by Deanne Kearney
DeanneKearney.com @deannekearney