Euro Joan Cleville Dance Photographer Nicole Guarino 2 1772x1055{extravote 4} An international dancer, teacher and choreographer, Joan Clevillé has recently established his own dance company Joan Clevillé Dance in Dundee, and this full-length work Plan B For Utopia is a playful look at people's dreams and wishes, performed by the very very well-matched Solène Weinachter and John Kendall.

Much of the charm of Plan B For Utopia lies in the contrast between Solène Weinachter's and John Kendall's characters: Solène's enthusiasm, excitability and versatility offset by John's dour personality and dry wit. Witty one-liners abound - for example, Solène asks how do we start conversations about changing the world for the better, to which John responds 'with dancing' - throughout the piece, a consistent theme as the audience is taken through very contrasting and unexpected scenes and the characters themselves change over time.

Highly theatrical with a strong sense of imagery, Plan B covers territory such as kooky disco dancing, deep philosophical discussions during a triathlon, extremely animated storytelling by Solène, who later turns into an overzealous coach, and her sweet attempts at cheering John up.

Originality is a key part of Joan Clevillé's work: Plan B is full of fresh ideas, from the choice of scenes, of props and music, and inventive moves. There is also additional charm and integrity in seeing the dancers in charge of their own space, moving their lights around, operating a hazer and bringing a tape recorder onstage.

Plan B For Utopia is humourous, philosophical and sometimes simple; you have no idea where it's going to go or how it's going to get there, but you want to see what happens. And it shows us the value of taking pleasure in simple things.

 

Plan B For Utopia is at Dance Base every day at 12pm from 25 - 30 August
Running time: 55 mins
Details: www.dancebase.co.uk/festival15/plan-b-for-utopia-384
Tickets: tickets.edfringe.com/whats-on/plan-b-for-utopia
Photo by Nicole Guarino