Review:

(Performance)

Phillip Adam’s “Ballet Lab”: “Upholster” & “Amplification”

(Brisbane Powerhouse Theatre, 9^th to 13^th July 2002)

Review by John Frame 9^th July 2002:

Tonight, 9^th July 2002, I saw the preview performance of contemporary dance troupe "Ballet Lab", choreographed by proudly gay dancer (and non ABC identity) Phillip Adams. This Phillip Adams has no qualms at all about being embraced by gay men. The two pieces presented (Upholster and Amplification) have elements of appeal to men and women of all sexual identities. Ballet Lab consists of 7 dancers (3 men, 4 women) plus DJ. They sold out a full 2 week season recently at the Sydney Opera House's 200 seat "Studio" - which is a record. This is not only extraordinarily entertaining and intricate human movement, but it's also backed by a wonderful vinyl soundscape - with music ranging from The Velvet Underground to hard core industrial - all precision-mixed live by amazing DJ Lynton Carr. And of course, as you can tell from the publicity pics, there's nudity - and these dancer's bodies are not only extremely fit, but meant to be admired. The first and shortest piece "Upholster" is a rendering of the Karma Sutra, with the lovers entwined with their futons as well as each other. After intermission there's the more aggressive "Amplification" which will test your eardrums and heart condition. Hear the interview with Phillip Adams at www.queerradio.org/PhillipAdams090702.mp3  (9mins, 3 mb). This is a totally professional world class and very accessible contemporary dance performance, which will appeal to most men and women. It deserves sell out shows throughout this brief season (until Saturday 13th only) - and yet ticket sales are scarily low. Don't hesitate to see Ballet Lab in their Brisbane debut. http://www.brisbanepowerhouse.org/02_program_2002/adams_ballet_lab.htm