Resolution Festival Review – WED 15 JAN 2025

by Sumi Xiaomei Cheng

The Place, London.

Blue Pieta Mother Heart

Mathangi Keshavan 0’s & 1’s

Sarah Santos Stranded

The standout work of the night was undoubtedly Sarah Santos’ solo Stranded, a profoundly moving exploration of Black women reclaiming the beauty of their natural hair and physical features. It opens with a projection of a sunrise, something resembling seaweed swaying with hypnotic grace at the centre of the stage. Is it one dancer, or many? Something scary, or a mermaid? Then Santos appears. Her movements shift between controlled, intentional falls—sometimes striking the floor hard, sometimes softened by Vivian Kiill’s stunning hair sculpture, as if cushioned by ancestors. While remaining deeply rooted in colonial history, Santos’ piece transcended cultural specificity. Strong rhythmic full-body motions emphasise pain, resilience and joy, offering a profound exploration of feminine energy. Collaborating with South African composer Thabo Letseleha Naha, the evocative soundscape paired with Santos’ spoken word elevated Stranded into a sensory and emotional masterpiece.

Mother Heart by Blue Pieta blended poetry, opera, dance, and visual art into an ambitious multidisciplinary work. Kath Gifford’s stunning live singing and Benjin’s melodic guitar accompaniment is captivating. However, Pieta’s abundance of layered elements, including narration, animal motifs, nudity, and colour’s theme occasionally overshadows the choreography. While Blue Pieta showcased many interesting ideas, a tighter focus might have enhanced its overall impact.

Mathangi Keshavan’s0’s and 1’s presents a brilliant fusion of Bharatanatyam and modern technology, exploring the evolution of communication. Keshavan skillfully blends classical Indian dance with contemporary themes, accompanied by veena and percussion music that add depth and tradition. The vibrant stage lighting enhances the precise synchronised dancers’ footwork and emotive facial expressions. While some scene transitions feel abrupt, the interplay of classical dance and innovation is captivating. Overall, it’s a fantastic idea, showcasing Keshavan’s artistry and London’s rich multicultural essence.

While each work offered distinct strengths, Santos’Stranded stood out as a true testament to the power of storytelling through dance, elevating Resolution Festival’s already stellar reputation.

Resolution Festival 2025 at The Place – London Contemporary Dance School. The original review on this page (and its companion review) can be found at: https://theplace.org.uk/blogs-stories/wed-15-jan