On Saturday October 11, Highways Performance Space celebrated FABE dance company presenting their newest work Drugs Can’t Buy. Highways is notorious for their ongoing efforts to provide a space for experimental performance and visual art. The unique platform that the space provides was most definitely appreciated as it contributed to a profound and innovative performance by FABE.
Walking into the theatre that night felt like I was entering a bar. Dance music was playing and people stood underneath a lofted structure built onstage pouring shots of cheap whiskey and tequila. I was confused. Was this an extension of the lobby or perhaps a small celebration before the show? As I took my seat, however, I was thrilled to realize that it was in fact part of the performance. I always appreciate when an artist can manipulate the traditional ways in which we view performance, because it will always successfully fill an audience with excitement, wonderment, and an eagerness to see what happens next.
FABE dance company – Drugs Can’t Buy – Photo by Will Haraldson
Significant from the onset was the development of the personas of each character. The work began with the performers taking shots and talking or occasionally shouting at one another as if they were at a party. Each interaction gave a sense of history and depth with every shared touch and conversation. The characters moved as if they were inebriated and a dream like quality of swaying and stumbling through the space. This piece was fascinating to watch from the very unexpected beginning to the curiosity that grew as each gave glimpses of their personal relationships and histories with one another. This occurred, however, between disjointed movements.
FABE dance company – Drugs Can’t Buy – Photo by Will Haraldson
Drugs Can’t Buy is a work that explores the effects love can have on people. It is evocative, dark, and deeply personal. Directed and founded by Mallory Fabian, FABE is an experimental company which creates movement based on genuine human interactions and experiences. This night’s performance included Brance Souza, Caileigh Knapp, Clementine Gamson Levy, Darby Kelly, Nikki Nistal, Paige Amicon, Sam McReynolds, Sara Hartless, Shane Raiford, Taylor Unwin, and Tin Nguyen. The dancers are clearly very skilled in a variety of different techniques and able to come together as a cohesive group, while maintaining their very distinct roles. What is certain, this work does not try to hide the humanness of each character, but rather express it in a way that stays true to everyone involved and to the space.
FABE dance company – Drugs Can’t Buy – Photo by Will Haraldson
After a thrilling introduction, the show continues in a series of small stories, providing more insight into the relationships and backgrounds of each character. Throughout the performance, dancer, Nikki Nistal, was tied at her waist by a rope. Dressed in a tan slip with her hair hanging loose and her face looking tired and worn, Nikki Nistal was a significant presence throughout the piece. Her resilience and dedication to her role was astounding and tore at our hearts as she continuously fought and struggled on stage to be seen. During the course of the evening, Nistal would quietly observe the chaos on stage or struggle to be released by whatever was holding her back. Meanwhile, everything on stage seemed to be a realistic portrayal of what happens when a confined group of people use substances. At times this brought love, honesty, joy, or it brought jealousy, hatred, sadness, and frustration. The sincerity that the performers brought to these moments made what was relatable as an audience member very specific and profound. I found myself deeply connected to specific instances created by a brief interaction between performers.
FABE dance company – Drugs Can’t Buy – Photo by Will Haraldson
Drugs Can’t Buy was an intense performance that did not fear to dive headfirst into the unknown. I appreciated the brutal honesty of the performers and their ability to maintain the energy and feeling from beginning to end. Everything felt real, and that is an extremely unique quality to have while extensively exploring a subject through story and dance; especially while continuing to maintain a magical realism. Every moment on stage was captivating and every movement or interaction bore reliability. The work portrayed its issue with actions inspired by bar fights, romantic duets, and an intimate solo performed to a Patsy Cline song.
By the end I was so wrapped up in the story of the characters. It was not until later that I reflected on the title, Drugs Can’t Buy. As a young woman living in our modern world, I felt I could relate to how these performers discussed and interacted with substances. Every time the performers seemed to be enjoying the experience of drinking or using drugs, a solo or duet followed to unveil hidden pain and darkness. Nistal’s character who was attached to the rope never seemed to engage with the group because she was not able to join them in their use of drugs. Did the rope represent sobriety? Or depression? My viewpoint changed throughout the piece, but the rope could have represented any number of things that confine or restrict us.
FABE dance company – Drugs Can’t Buy – Photo by Will Haraldson
I appreciated the vulnerability in the movement and the honesty in the storyline which led me to think critically about the title and how we interact with addictions, addictions that can manifest themselves in many ways. At times, an addiction can make us honest, but overall it creates a prolonged dishonesty with self and a warped reality. FABE dance company will leave you thinking, wondering, and grateful to have felt something.
At the end of the show the performers were warm and welcoming to the audience as they offered shots to audience members as they left. Despite the many dark themes explored in this piece, I left feeling at peace. I had just seen a type of honesty on stage that made me feel less alone. For a piece to make someone feel that way it takes a lot of courage and vulnerability and I applaud choreographer, Mallory Fabian’s dedication to truth telling and her commitment to encouraging personal and real performance.
Written by Corrina Roche for LA Dance Chronicle, October 30, 2019.
For more information on FABE dance company click here.
For more daring and thought provoking performance see what is coming up at Highways Here.
Featured image: FABE dance company – Drugs Can’t Buy – Photo by Will Haraldson
