The performer and choreography assistant lands on the West End stage with this new piece created by world-renowned dancemaker Sadeck Berrabah. Guillermo Nazara chats with the artiste to learn all the facts about this fusion piece where movement is just the starting point.
After its original French run, how does it feel to be finally bringing the show to the London scene?
We’re extremely grateful. We’ve done the show all across France for two years now, so to be doing it now in such an incredible city is very exciting. Also, it’s not just a one-off performance, but two weeks in the same venue, which is the first time that happens to us! Both Sadek and the company are very grateful that London has allowed us to do so. Sadek is also so proud of this project and the people involved in it — it’s such an accomplishment to all of us.
How are you finding the London scene? Do audiences respond differently in comparison to France?
After this first week, we have realised that London audiences tend to applaud much more! They do it at the end of every number. In France, people wait to the very end. It was so surprising at the beginning. Viewers here understand and know the dancing environment very well, and we certainly get that feeling in every performance.
Has the show evolved in any way over this past two years?
The show has experienced changes. Sadek brought new choreographies for the second season. And two weeks before we arrived to London, he came up with a new number featuring umbrellas, jackets, and a lot of spectacle for the grand finale! The show keeps changing all the time, because Sadek just keeps having new ideas.
Does the fact that the show is constantly evolving make it more challenging?
It is very challenging! You need to internalize every number until your body gets used to it. There’s a lot of counting, as it’s a very precise show. Performers also have to change places if someone is missing, which makes it even more difficult. Every rendition is a new challenge, as the number of dancers is also changing continuously.
Are there other particular challenges that you find in this show?
The precision makes it very hard. Every dancer has their own choreography, so counting is crucial to make it all work. If one performer makes the slightest mistake, everything can go wrong — if someone misses one move or cue, the mistake affects everyone.
Has that ever happened?
Yes! Not every time, but it’s happened on some occasions. There’s a great sense of togetherness in our company, so if anyone misses anything, we find the way to fix it and carry on. But that’s what makes us connect even further.
If you had to give me one single reason to come see this show, which one would it be?
First of all, it’s amazing. When you see it, you understand Sadek Berrabah’s vision. It’s not just a show, it’s an experience. It’s about nature, so many styles of music (written by Sadek’s brother), and it has lot of visual power, fusion, and surprises!
Help us continue our work
We count on your support to keep bringing the greatest quality in theatre-related content, from interviews with the biggest names in the industry to reviews of every show in town and beyond.
We appreciate every donation to maintain our high pace and standards and continue to grow.
Thank you for believing in us!
***************************************************
Murmuration Level 2 plays at London’s Peacock Theatre until 20 September. Tickets are available on the following link.