Murmuration Level 2 production. Photo by Fabien Malot.Blending an hypnotic mix of perfectly synchronised dance movements which stylistically lean into Matt Mattox, the dancers present various short burst routines in large groups and smaller collectives. The murmuration of the title refers to the symbiosis achieved by large flocks of birds (usually starlings) whose airborne ebb and flow particularly at dusk, creates the illusion of a single swirling entity. Here, the movements — more notably hand and arm — create rhythms and sequences which trick the eye with their dexterity and repetition. Set to hip hop music by TRex (NOT to be confused with the 70s Marc Bolan glam rock outfit), the routines demonstrate an innate understanding of coordination, timing, mathematics and visual symmetry.
There is no doubting that Berrabah is at the centre of everything the company creates. At about 45minutes into the 75 minute show (which is delivered without an interval), the man himself strolls into view from stage left, a louche confidence to his demeanour, movement redolent of the core balance developed through martial arts and an ear for poetic rhythms. By now, he is probably used to a degree of recognition and adulation, but although the largely unfamiliar British audience showed an initial reluctance to cheer, they soon responded to his central solo performance in which he transitioned to conducting the collective onstage routines.
Finally, once the cheers and applause died down, Berrabah humbly thanked the London audience and then set about teaching everyone 4 eights of tricksy hand movements as he warmed to his themes of universal connectivity and collectivity. Audience participation is rarely embraced as willingly as it was on Wednesday evening with even the most curmudgeonly of theatre reviewers joining-in from the comfort of their seats. As a reward for good behaviour, the full company then delivered the closing pièce de résistance involving brimmed hats, parasols and jackets which flashed brilliant white when opened to ultraviolet light. The effect was dazzling and a fitting climax to a thoroughly entertaining and original piece of dance theatre.
