‘In The Dust’ is an all-male contemporary dance show; the performance is non-verbal and demonstrates three themes in three acts, created by three choreographers.  ‘SUBTERRANIA’ by choreographer Tom Dale, with music by Shackleton reveals ‘A world in immanent doom’. ‘Politicking Oath’ by choreographer Freddie Opoku-Addaie, with music by Alberto Bernal revealed the ‘emotion and spirit expressed by the Olympic Oath’ and finally ‘7.0’ by Tamsin Fitzgerald with music by Alex Baranowski revealed ‘geographical unrest and uncertainty’ based on the choreographer’s experience in Haiti a year after the earthquake.

The ability of each of the eight performers is unquestionable; breakdancing and contemporary urban dance are fused with machismo, fearlessness and grace.  Whether dancing as one unified whole or as eight separate parts, the full auditorium was transfixed. Every move was watched with suppressed breath whilst bodies were manoeuvred, hoisted and flung through the air to express destruction, Olympic athleticism or discontent. The low lighting, emotive music and almost ‘street urchin’ like costumes of the first and final scenes contributed to the carefully crafted dramatic environment.

I found the final act to be the most poignant and thought provoking; five members of the company danced with dust, symbolising the destruction those in Haiti still face a year after the earthquake. While the first scene was nearly as evocative, the second scene left me somewhat disappointed, despite its comical moments as it is sandwiched between two particularly haunting scenes which conjure many emotions and questions. Although the middle scene had interesting themes, the props left me confused at times.

When I met the eight performers and the founder, artistic director and choreographer Tamsin Fitzgerald, after the show, I was amazed at their collective dancing experience. Fitzgerald founded the company in 1999 and since then, has expanded it to become the successful award-winning company it is today. As well as touring all over the UK and parts of Europe, 2Faced Dance Company also educates new, young talent and will be running workshops during their UK tour.

As for the performers themselves, each of them come from a different dance and training background. Although some have trained with the company from a young age, others have joined from various dance schools or universities with expertise in contemporary dance, breakdancing, ballet and hip hop. As well as performing with 2Faced, members of the company have also worked at MTV Europe Music Awards, Rambert Dance Company and ‘New Adventures’ in Matthew Bournes’s Swan Lake.

As my awe grew for the talent before me, the conversation turned to injuries that had been acquired on stage; it quickly became apparent how physically demanding and at times, dangerous performing at such a high level can be. As well as cut faces and sprains, the group chuckled as they told me a story of one of their members being knocked unconscious when a tricky move went slightly wrong. I tried not to glance at their protruding arm muscles as the conversation ensued.

If contemporary, original dance is an art form you admire, or even if just enjoy watching masculinity at its most graceful, watch the thought provoking ‘In the Dust.’ This performance, as well as making you marvel at the ability of the performers, will challenge your mind.

As for me, I will try to imitate many of the moves in the privacy of my own bedroom. I have a feeling a concussion is on the horizon.

‘In The Dust’ will be performed at the Edinburgh Fringe until 29 August at Zoo Southside. If you miss this performance, 2Faces Dance Company will be visiting Birmingham on 29 September until 01 October. If you wish to see one of their Birmingham shows check out the Birmingham dance partnership website for more details at http://www.dancexchange.org.uk/events/in-the-dust. If you wish to investigate the possibility of participating in one of their workshops look at 2Faced Dance Company’s website http://www.2faceddance.co.uk/.

Words: Dannan Swanton
Images: Courtesy of 2Faced Dance Company

After watching the wonderfully  wacky world of ‘Lunch with Quattro Formaggio’ my first thoughts of Italy will no longer just be of Pavarotti singing the beloved Cornetto ice-cream advert. From now on, I will also conjure up images of charity cream cracker racing, swingers with a fetish for latex and squirty whipped cream, the male equivalent of a bikini wax and middle class pretentiousness.

The Four Cheeses of Quattro Formaggio, also known as Andy King, Chloe Metcalfe, Maddy Carrick and Michael Goward take their audience into a surreal world of life in and around an Italian Restaurant. While we are introduced to the regulars who frequent the restaurant, we are also given an insight into the frenetic world of working in the twenty-first century.  We meet the cast both in and out of character, we are addressed in what should be fluent but is amusingly just pigeon Italian and comically raucous sexual scenes are frequent.

‘Lunch with Quattro Formaggio’ cannot help but bring laughter out of the most sullen of audiences, from the late teens to the late sixties. I observed a sixty year old woman as she watched a scene where a character climaxed whilst listing all the things she coveted- including a baby, failing which, a dolls house would suffice. Her initial stern posture gradually softened and broke into uproarious laughter, to which I sighed in relief. Their appeal transcends age.

I met the Four Cheeses in a bar for a cheeky cider (or two) after the performance. All of the group are professionally trained actors and pride themselves on being an unusual comedy sketch group – most comedy groups are unisex, they are two men and two women.  Early on in the course of the interview, it quickly became apparent how dedicated and hardworking they were. They write and direct their own material and most scenes are extrapolated from their own experiences or people they encounter. Having formed Quattro Formaggio in January 2010, the Four Cheeses have already invested a lot, both financially and emotionally, into launching what is already proving to be a successful name for themselves. They promote their debut show personally every day on the streets of Edinburgh, perform at various evening shows in Edinburgh and when at home, host ‘Comedy Fondue’, a comedy night in London which takes place once a month.

Whilst there are times when the links between the theme and the scenes are tenuous, this does not detract from their comic value. However, there is the odd scene where the comedy is lost due to its complexity (such as making a baby into a wine pourer), leaving the audience somewhat bemused rather than amused. Despite this, the acting of the Four Cheeses is flawless and each scene is delivered with passion and energy. You are guaranteed to leave the performance highly entertained at the surreal world of Quattro Formaggio.

This highly likeable group is a must see; they make the oddly familiar comically surreal. Whether you are a waiter or a secret agent, have a bizarre fetish or simply play tennis, it will strike a chord. And just to try out a little Italian I picked up in the performance… Bravissimo Quattro Formaggio, Bravissimo.

‘Lunch with Quattro Formaggio’ is being performed at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival until the 28 August from 13:20-14:20 in Underbelly, Cowgate. If you miss them at the Fringe, look out for their ‘Comedy Fondue’ night in London or alternatively, look at their website for more information (http://quattroformaggio.com/) or on youtube to see some of their sketches.

Words and images Danann Swanton.
Top image courtesy of Quattro Formaggio

As my flip-flop-wearing feet were threatened by imminent trench foot, the rain poured down on my un-hooded head. In a lame attempt to save my beloved brand new digital camera from death-by-drowning, I smuggled it under my pitifully light cardigan. As I did so, I suddenly panicked in case someone thought I was trying to hide what could be mistaken for stolen Jessop goods, then remembered I was not in Birmingham anymore, looting had not occurred in civilised Edinburgh and people would just assume I was innocently protecting my piece of technology from the rain.

Camera partially hidden and unnecessary nerves calmed, I observed Edinburgh’s High Street. Despite the rain, the puddled streets were filled with street performers, choirs, dancers, actors, walking billboards and discarded leaflets. I had arrived at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival, the most famous festival for budding and well-known artists alike.

The atmosphere was palpable; excitement and talent tinged with slight desperation. When street performers were not attempting to wow you by juggling fire in the hope of spare change, a performer of some sort was selling their talent to you, their desire to get one more body in their audience etched across their faces.

Walking down the streets, I was bombarded with leaflets for this or demonstrations for that. Eventually the excitement of being handed pieces of paper wore off and each new performer or sales person became as annoying as the street sellers you find in the gutter in resorts, who try to sell you yet another bloody pair of cheap, unnecessary sunglasses or unwanted fake handbags.

So I have come up with a plan for you – How to cope on the streets of Edinburgh before and during the Fringe whilst having a little fun.

Number 1: If you wish to attend the Fringe next year, book accommodation now as you will not be able to find anything last minute. Try to get hotels as central as possible for convenience as the most popular and famous shows are often on late at night.

Number 2: Once you know where and when you are staying, organise transport. Like the accommodation, as August approaches, availability is unlikely whilst any spare tickets may cost a fortune. Book as soon as possible to get cheap deals.

Number 3: Decide on a genre you would like to see. Whether it is cabaret, children’s shows, comedy, dance and physical theatre, exhibitions or musicals, there is something for everyone.

Number 4: Surf the official Edinburgh Fringe website to find out their recommendations. If you wish to see some of the big acts, buy your tickets online well in advance as these tend to sell out quickly. For the smaller, less well-known shows, take note of where they are and wait until the day you to wish to see them before purchasing your tickets. Last minute deals (such as 2-for-1) are often done to increase numbers so don’t be stung by being too organised.

Number 5: Set a budget. Although there are some free performances, depending on when you attend the Fringe, tickets can vary from £4.00 to just under £20.00. If a less well known show exceeds your budget, try to haggle to see if there are any available deals.

Number 6: Get involved with the atmosphere by wondering down the central streets and allow yourself to be captivated by the different talents. When approached with yet another performer, get ‘Dragons Den’ like and demand a good pitch. If they want you there, make them prove themselves to you; the better the pitch, usually the better the show.

(Admittedly, there were times when I let this power get to my head. When an actor told me he would allow me to slap him at the end of his comedy performance if I didn’t laugh, I made him write it on his leaflet, as though it was some sort of contract. Intrigued, I attended his performance and all physical violence was put on hold as I found myself roaring with laughter. Lucky git.)

Number 7: Keep an open mind. Even if you only wish to see theatre, allow yourself to be wooed by the performances on the street and try new genres. I attended ‘The Oxford Gargoyles’, a Jazz a Cappella group and much to my surprise, found it highly entertaining. My favourite show was ‘Jet Set Go!’, a musical comedy which I had reluctantly attended and ended up singing their hysterical songs in appalling harmony with my friends all the way home.

Number 8: Keep your eyes peeled; when speaking to Quattro Formaggio and 2Faced Dance, it became apparent that the Fringe is a platform for all new talent. Edinburgh is the place-to-be for performers during August as talent scouts for all the best television stations are on the look-out for new, exciting acts. Who knows, you may have seen the future Miranda or Michael McIntyre, both of whom performed at the Fringe many times before they were spotted and became the household names they are today.

Number 9: Finally, have an amazing time and enjoy everything you see. Even the really appalling shows (I spent ten pounds and lost an hour of my life in one such show) become a funny story with friends. Soak up the culture and revel in the talent. Most importantly, do not forget those wellies as it is a British festival. It is bound to rain!

Words and pictures: Dannan Swanton