Play by Play
Choreographed by Nicola Adilman

Through the intertwining and separation of bodies, Play by Play, a quartet, explores sports images, the smashing of sports rules and regulations, comedic storytelling, competitive relationships and athleticism. How can dance emanate from the physicality of the sports world? Can the physical worlds of dance and sport collide to produce a work of humour and pathos? This work aims to answer these questions and to create abstract associations that are fluid in their exploration of gender.

Premiered June 14th 2023 at Resolution Festival

Dancers: Jacob Elliott Roberts, George Frampton, Tylee Jones, Jay Yule

Music: Touched, Gabi Palaric-Skinner, Robert Loveless

Costume Designer: Jacob Elliott Roberts

Lighting Designer: Lucy Hansom

Suitable for all ages
Duration: 20 min

Play by Play Review:

The riveting facial expressions of the four dancers in Nicola Adilman’s quartet as they mime and gesture to a football commentary have me in stitches. Collectively they embody the full range of emotions that belong to the world of male footballers: ecstasy, despair, anger and cockiness. However, as the performers dance across their unique sporty playing fields in their vividly bright costumes, they refreshingly erase gender differences. Athletic choreography performed in a colourful huddle or solo character sketches make Play by Play exhilarating to watch, especially in the round. Character, strength and stamina ooze from the group’s high energy dancing, making Play by Play a winner.

Written by: Josephine Leask