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BrumHour saw Carlos Acosta – On Before at the invite of Birmingham Hippodrome.
By Dave Massey twitter.com/BrumHour
This production contains partial nudity.
Review: Carlos Acosta – On Before at Birmingham Hippodrome
⭐⭐⭐⭐”Artistic craftsmanship at its best.”
Featuring choreography by at least seven different contributors, On Before is a collection of short works which explore, faith, grief, loss and reflection.
The pieces feature just two dancers performing together and solo Carlos Acosta himself and Laura Rodríguez plus at times the parade of singers from Birmingham-based Ex Cathedra culminating at the very end in their vocals.
The two thirty-five minute sections are split by a twenty-minute break allowing the audience a chance to breathe in what they’ve seen.
Having been lucky enough to see Carlos Acosta leading training classes and warm up sessions, I now think of him vocally directing the stage and the moments when he wants performers to be ready for a photograph. This production was filled with single moments like this where a snapshot could easily demonstrate the strength and talent on the stage.
As Birmingham Royal Ballet’s Artist Director, Carlos is very used to this Birmingham Hippodrome stage and that comfort is felt from the seats as they make use of the huge space. Projections fill the massive screen emphasising the sheer volume of the stage whilst candles and simple lighting bring a level of intimacy.
I don’t have a favourite piece from this as they flowed into each other so well, artistic craftsmanship at its best.
Carlos Acosta – On Before is at Birmingham Hippodrome until 7th May 2024. See what is coming up at Birmingham Hippodrome here: birminghamhippodrome.com/whats-on. And discover more about Carlos Acosta and his forthcoming work here: carlosacosta.com.
