AIZE BALAGAN
This work investigates the struggle of an ending relationship. The emotional states visited during this time are explored, ranging from feelings of drowning to displays of strength, never knowing when one will end and the other will begin. Taste the sweetness of the berry and the sourness of our hearts. Walk an awkward path by the sounds of throbbing jazz and jam to the riveting tunes in our lift. Take a moment, get comfortable and make sure your waistcoat is buttoned up symmetrically.
Performed at the Resolution Festival at The Place, London, UK, in February 2020.
‘Aize Balagan surprises, despite its theme of a defect relationship. Dressed identically in dapper waistcoats and slacks, four sassy women squeezed together in a spaure of light are pissed off. Rhythmically precise, they shrug, twitch and grimace before breaking out of their tight formation in pursuit of other ways to express their fury and hurt: lip-syncing to jazz, reciting poetry, spitting out strawberries. They cavort around in a bumpy yet structured display of jerks and lunges, tension wracking their bodies. Part mime-artists, part Riot Grrrls, their aesthetic is refreshingly uncompromising and brilliantly funny. My affection for them grows every minute as they find inventive ways to vent their rage - a food blender and a hammer brings down the house in roars’ - Review by Josephine Leask, Resolution Festival, The Place, 2020.
Choreographed and directed by Bar Groisman.
Performed by Polly Constance, Shannon Dray, Rose Lewis and Fay Reilly.
Lighting designed by Abigayle Louise Holt.
Text written by Bar Groisman.
Footage filmed and edited by The Place.
Trailer edited by Milo McKinnon.
Photography by Elly Welford and Jez Ward.
Music credits: Wave by Antônio Carlos Jobim, Drowned in Water and Light by Vessel, BUTT MUSCLE by Christeene, That's Nice by Milo McKinnon.