Review of ‘M-Othering’: “Premature delivery gives birth to underdeveloped show’

Brighton’s The Old Market hosted the premiere of Chess Dillon-Reams’s latest dance montage, celebrating the different ways women look after each other. Guillermo Nazara shares his views on the show, to let us know if this newborn idea is impregnated with theatrical pizzazz.

It’s hard not to see how this piece is its creator’s precious baby. But no matter the labour they’ve gone into, it doesn’t fully reflect. Last weekend, Brighton’s The Old Market witnessed the dawn of M-Othering, a dance montage celebrating female parenthood in its many shapes — from its traditional conception to ways beyond for women to take care of each other.

It’s an idea that exudes artistry in its own wording. Yet, it only remains an abstract notion — veering away from its potential and leaving every opportunity for it behind by the time it lands onstage. Written, directed, and choreographed by Chess Dillon-Reams, neither the technical, visual, or narrative aspects of the show come across satisfactorily — leaving the viewer with a sense of emptiness that opposes the spirit and message it’s supposed to convey.

The key problem lies in the fact that the production is still not ready for an audience. Though both themes and intentions are good, none of them manage to land due to an overall lack of polish and cohesiveness. It doesn’t look like a proper concoction but, instead, an assortment of vague thoughts — which, should they have been kneaded and blended into a more even mold, could have resulted in the poignant, thought-provoking, and ultimately heart-touching jaunt the piece aims to be.

Consequently, the show rapidly turns into an arduous task we must undertake. It struggles to entertain — not to mention stir. There are no redeeming features apart from its intricate and beautifully evocative lighting. And though the company’s renditions ooze passion, none of them come off as honed or deftly executed — often uncoordinated and constantly brandishing their shortages in preparation.

Using the right dough but taking the bun out of the oven at half-cock, M-Othering might have been a bundle of joy for those involved in its gestation. Yet, its prego brain and absent nesting instincts prevent the piece from going anywhere beyond the germ of its premise. With too many bumps hardly anyone would be getting a kick out of, the show might still project the glow of motherhood to some extent — but theatrically speaking, it remains in the shadows.

All pictures credit to Josh Hawkins.

Upcoming shows at Brighton’s The Old Market are available on the following link.

By Guillermo Nazara