STOMPing the Artscape
19 Apr 2010
Never has sweeping, mopping and cleaning dishes looked so much fun to me. If I had the skills of the STOMP crew, and a whole group of skilled buddies to clean with, I think I would have the cleanest flat ever. Using everyday items such as brooms, kitchen sinks and plastic bags, the cast of STOMP creates wonderful musical and theatrical dance numbers that are so complex, rhythmic and catchy that one can't quite believe that ordinary objects like sweeping brooms or rustling newspapers are creating them.
The origins of STOMP initially started in 1981 in the form of the band Pookiesnackenburger and theatre group Cliff Hanger, with Luke Cresswell and Steve McNicholas. Ten years later STOMP was created and has been wowing audiences ever since. This year marks the second time that this talented production is performing in Cape Town. This time, however, showcasing a new revamped show inspired by their Las Vegas production STOMP OUT LOUD.
Two new dances are added, a fast-paced and flawlessly choreographed toss and drum of paint tins, and an incorporation of inflated monster truck inner tubes that are worn around the performers' waists like giant urban tutus. These are drummed and swung around, creating quite a visual and aural spectacle.
Even though the STOMP style and concept originated in Brighton, UK, it seems to have a distinctly African style. What with the tribal foot stomping, passionate percussion playing, and the transformation of everyday items into something magical, one wouldn't feel anything amiss on seeing a gumboot dance added to the mix.
STOMP is amazing, not only for its slick choreography, spot on rhythm, ingenuity and originality, but also in the fact that in an almost two-hour-long show, which includes no story line or dialogue (other than a few coughs and oy oys here and there) one remains captivated and amazed throughout. This is testament to the talented performers, great direction, many humorous elements and interaction with the audience, which all combine to create a stirring performance that will have you looking at mundane everyday objects and wondering how you could transform them into extremely effective musical instruments.
The Cape Town season runs from 14 to 25 April 201 from Tuesdays to Fridays at 8pm, Saturdays at 3pm and 8pm and Sundays at 2pm and 5:30pm. Tickets cost from R75 to R295 via Computicket or 021 421 7695.
