Intriguing work by new and up and coming choreographers can always be seen at the Odyssey Theater Ensemble during their regular dance festival series. This past weekend was no exception as “Last Resort” by Artistic Director/Choreographer, Maya Billig was brought to the unique black box theater. Like a film by Wes Anderson, Billig has an offbeat and quirky sense of theater combined with wildly interesting and beautifully executed choreography. Did all of it work, probably not but when it did it was captivating.
“Last Resort” by Maya Billig – Screenshot courtesy of Maya Billig.
Billig and her collaborator/dancers Quinn Wynacht and Rian James Alcid brought their uniqueness to the stage from the first moment to the last. Upon entering the room, we see that the stage is strewn with mannequins in various stages of repair including a swimmer in mid-dive hanging from the flies and body parts emerging from broken-down suitcases. Upstage a video is projected onto a sheet like screen while the three performers meander around in what appears to be a near abandoned beach resort. Apparently, the action onscreen somehow connects us to the story but with the onstage distractions this objective was easy to miss. This was all done in silence with the exception of the occasional comments from the performers to the audience, which were largely inaudible and therefore did not have impact. This improvised opening felt unrehearsed and unfocused therefore, when the music kicked in and the dancing began it was surprising in its discipline and was absolutely riveting. These performers can dance, each as capable as the next and their version of “Putting on The Ritz” became something special. How ever the choreography is reached through the collaboration of these three, every second of it works, from the steps to the staging, nothing is missed. The work is quirky, funny, wild and not easy except in the hands of these capable dancers. Ranging in style from contemporary jazz to a raw and exciting use of the arms reminiscent of whacking without the edge, floorwork, turns and extensions, this work encompassed everything but more importantly it was madly entertaining in the best of ways.
“Last Resort” by Maya Billig – Screenshot from film by Collin Druz and Maya Billig.
When the choreography was allowed to take center stage the show soared. When slipping into acting, improv and spoken humor the show faltered and lost momentum. Dressed as a crazy Bellman, Quinn Wynacht fared best as his role was the most clearly defined whereas, Billig and Alcid floundered. All brought a likeability to the stage but true characterization was missing.
“Last Resort” by Maya Billig – Photo by Gunindu Abeysekera.
Playwriting, humor and storytelling, no matter how esoteric, needs a distinct narrative which can be easily followed even without dialogue. This along with clear direction was missing. It was the dancing that succeeded every time. The well selected music went a long way in adding to the charm of the choreography. From recordings of the 1920’s to Elvis’ “Love Me,” the soundtrack of the show allowed the dancers much freedom of movement and brought the audience into the moment.
“Last Resort” by Maya Billig – Photo by Lily Stockton.
There is a good idea here, the vacation spot of “Last Resort” with its odd inhabitants and sad landscapes has been a trope of many movies, books and theatricals, including “The Grand Budapest Hotel,” “Bagdad Café” and Saroyan’s classic “The Time of Your Life” among many. With more focus on the storytelling, “Last Resort” has the potential to be important but for now it is a work in progress. What does work, however, is every aspect of the choreography and the gorgeous technical and emotional work of the dancers.
Once again kudos to curator Barbara Müeller-Wittmann and the Odyssey Theater for bringing another worthy season of dance to Los Angeles audiences.
To learn more about Maya Billing Dance, please visit their website.
To learn more about the Odyssey Theatre Ensemble, please visit their website.
Written by Tam Warner for LA Dance Chronicle.
Featured image: “Last Resort” by Maya Billig – Photo by Gunindu Abeysekera.
