Created and
directed by Chenoeh Miller
Dance
choreography by Caroline Wall
Sound Design
by Dane Alexander
Lighting and
Set Design by
Roni Wilkinson
Produced by
the Tuggeranong Arts Centre
Presented by
the Canberra Theatre Centre
Courtyard
Studios until 24th June 2017
Reviewed by
Bill Stephens
The story of
a young Afganistani refugee, Rohallah, who was rescued by a Perth couple and
brought to Australia, where he was
educated, and who now works as an Uber driver in Canberra while completing his University studies,
provided the inspiration for this multi-discipline work combining elements of
hip-hop and Butoh.
Rohallah himself
was introduced prior to the performance, and charmed the audience by quietly
relating his extraordinary journey to Canberra.Without a
hint of malice or blame, he spoke matter-of-factly about his childhood and his
life as a shepherd, and how he was persecuted and forced to flee warring
factions who killed members of his family.
He told how
he met an Australian couple, Margaret and John, who befriended him, sponsored
him to Australia, fed, clothed and educated him. It was an affecting entre into
the performance his experiences had inspired.
Performed by
members of Fresh Funk and Little Dove Theatre, “Rohallah” is an abstract
interpretation of the major events in Rohallah’s story. It begins with the cast
filing slowly onto the stage in half-light, as Rohallah’s pre-recorded voice
outlines the main events of his story. The lights come up to reveal a mother
sobbing over the body of her dead child. A girl in a red dress gyrates
frantically around her while a line of serious-faced performers advance over
her towards the audience. One by one these performers break away and run around
the auditorium, suggesting children at play.
Similar such
episodes continue throughout the forty minute performance. Some are striking,
others puzzling, their intention not always obvious, with each member of the audience
left to decide their individual interpretations.
Costuming is patchy with the inclusion of sequined evening dresses and glitter
eye-makeup questionable in the context. Two performers stand out from the
ensemble, Noah Gorrell as the young Rohallah, and Nick Delatovic as the adult
Rohallah.
Although
neither of the forms of hip hop or butoh would seem obvious choices of
expression for narrative storytelling, Chenoeh Miller and Caroline Wall have
embraced both disciplines to create a unique and thought-provoking response to
the plight of refugees.
This review first published in the digital edition of CITY NEWS on 23 June 2017
