Carlos Acosta: On Before
Festival Theatre - 17/02/24
Carlos Acosta | Laura Rodriguez
A chance to see Carlos Acosta is always a treat, especially with hints that this may well be his last tour. He has a career spanning 28 years and left Royal Ballet in 2016 to set up his own dance company, Acosta Danza in Cuba. He remains powerfully linked to his Cuban roots. The dancer you see now has changed since his days as a principal dancer with the Royal Ballet. He is leaner, more muscular and more grounded. Maybe a consequence of age, but also speaks to a dancer assured in his art and ability.
‘On Before’ is a selection of 9 pieces. Each separate but linked in emotion and a homage to his late mother. They flow almost seamlessly between pieces, making use of Edinburgh Choral Group to provide a physical continuous transition between pieces, making it feel like the telling of story and relationship rather than a selection of distinct pieces. Acosta and Rodriguez work together with sureness and confidence, a strong partnership of equals.
The opening piece, ‘On Before’ was choreographed by Will Tuckett and has been revisited by Acosta and Zenaida Yanowsky. Whilst Rodriguez and Acosta offer us strength and grace, the deliberately unsettling soundtrack and quickly changing choreography left a you feeling unsettled and unsatisfied.
Laura Rodriguez is an impressive and graceful partner to Acosta and they take turns on taking the stage. ‘Sirin’ to me was an unusual addition. The allusion to a bird in a cage therein diverted attention and failed to bring emotion. However her performance of extract of ‘Footnote to Ashton’ at the beginning of the second half is a highlight. An elegant and lithe performance by candlelight.
Whilst the use of media and inclusion of a short Film (‘Falling Deep Inside’) changes the media, it distracts from the build of emotion and depth. ‘Nosotros’, choreographed by Beatriz Garcia and Raul Reinoso, is the most assured of the couple pieces, exploring the intricacies of a relationship before dramatic climax of ‘O Magnum Mysterium’ with the Edinburgh University Singers, conducted by Calum Robertson.
However the highlight of the performance is Two at the end of the first part. It is Choreographed by Russell Maliphant and the award winning lighting by Michael Hulls. I’ve seen this piece performed previously by both the Ballet Boyz and Sylvie Guilliem. Acosta brings a smooth poeticism that takes the piece to another level. His strength, line, athleticism, speed and sheer beauty brought me to tears. He is now fully versed in the language of contemporary dance rather than classical ballet and brought a unique power and grace to the performance.
The humbleness that Acosta showed towards both Rodriguez and the Edinburgh University Singers hint at his generosity as a performer and willingness to develop talent. This is a dancer who doesn’t need to shout his greatness from the rooftops. Instead he lets his performance and those he shares the stage with speak for themselves. It leaves you feeling like you have been in the presence of dance greatness and that is a rare and wonderful experience indeed.
