A positively challenging performance by skilled and talented performers that deserves respect for tackling a controversial topic.
Presented by Delinquent Creatives
Reviewed 11th March 2021
Addressing controversial issues are in no way uncommon in the theatre but certain consternation can be caused when discussing topics that are predominately considered indecorous such as fetishism. It is in this dangerous place that the dance theatre show Hüman has been devised. The show was not a display of typical sexual fetish activities such as leather and ropes but rather delving into what fetishism is and how it exists in our community.
Reducing what fetishism is to a basic the ensemble take simple pleasures such as eating and popping bubble wrap, activities considered perfectly normal and show that they are in their own way, fetishes. Seen through the prism of relatable activities they shift the entire discussion from perversion to normality.
This is not to say there isn’t ways to have sexual fetishes and they, through the power of physical movement communicate that. Examples like foot fetish and shoe worship which is featured in the show, are derided publicly but at the same time, the attraction to pheromones of other people, a feature of foot fetish, is entirely normal. Great pleasure can be taken in simply smelling the roses.
The show had a strong cast and a number of powerful performances from clearly skilled dancers. It begins with a number of fetish focused minuets which are then broken half way through the show with a monologue that was so well written it was virtually spoken word poetry. A strong defence of fetishism, the show attempts to clarify and normalise activities that people enjoy and are in no way a problem to their lives and in any way detrimental to society.
Reviewed by Simon Lancione
Venue: Nexis Arts
Season: 27th February, 11-12 March 7pm
Duration: 60mins
Tickets: $ Full Price: $30.00, Concession: $25, Companion Card $0
Bookings: https://adelaidefringe.com.au/fringetix/human-af2021
Rating out of 5: 5
Dance, Dance Theatre, Adelaide Fringe, Delinquent Creatives
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