Interrupted, is a new work of dance presented and choreographed by Robyn Bedford (RNB Productions), in collaboration with the dancers and is playing at Al Green Theatre at the Toronto Fringe Festival. It definitely “interrupted” my fringing this year in the best possible way. The piece explores the interrupting thoughts and emotions that are often kept hidden from others and that can inform our decisions, actions and reactions. Robyn Bedford (choreographer) utilizes emotionally driven contemporary technique combined with urban movement and sets the tone for a truly exciting show.

It’s difficult to present a contemporary dance show that could appeal to a wide audience, but I believe Interrupted has done just this. The dancing is fresh, relevant and even defies physics sometimes, all to a backdrop of interesting, pulsating music. And just when I thought to myself, “hmmm, I wonder if there’s going to be more variation of movement…,” Jamie Morrow (dancer) threw down some sweet b-boy moves.

So I am officially a fan of Robyn Bedford’s (in collaboration with the dancers’) choreography. The way she choreographs to the music is  so exciting. I was amazed at her ability to create mini tornadoes of sporadic movement that flowed so suddenly and so effortlessly almost like they came out of nowhere. The way she used momentum combined with quick “interruptions” of movement was very cool. And her use of the stage and composition was so smart. I just loved it!

What amazed me about this piece was that the costumes, lighting and music were all very modest. The dancers wore basic dress shirts, and basic leggings and the lighting changes were far and far between. Because of this, the movement became the star and all that was left was the dance and the music.

Now I should talk about the dancers. The dancers started out as 6 angst-ridden individuals, but soon it was as if they became one entity. I appreciated how selfless the dancers were executing this choreography. They seemed to be connected so strongly with each other and there wasn’t a moment where I wanted to look away. I don’t want to centre someone out, because every dancer was incredible in this piece but Kelsey Elliot performed an emotionally charged solo towards the end of the piece that really had me.

I really commend these artists for putting together such a well thought out piece. Even if you don’t usually go to contemporary dance shows, I urge you to interrupt your day and go see Interrupted playing at the Toronto Fringe Festival. 

Details

• Interrupted plays at Al Green Theatre (750 Spadina Ave.)
• Tickets are $13, including a $2 service charge. The festival also offers a range of money-saving passes and discounts for serious Fringers.
• Tickets can be purchased online, by telephone (416-966-1062), from the Festival Box Office at Scadding Court (707 Dundas St. W.), and — if any remain — from the venue’s box office starting one hour before curtain.
• This venue is barrier-free. Note that only certain building entrances are wheelchair-accessible. Accessible seating is in front of the front row.
• Be aware that Fringe performances always start exactly on time, and that latecomers are never admitted.

Performances

• Wednesday July 3rd, 10:00 pm
• Friday July 5th, 3:00 pm
• Saturday July 6th, 2:15 pm
• Tuesday July 8th, 4:30 pm
• Thursday July 11th, 6:45 pm
• Saturday July 13th, 8:00 pm
• Sunday July 14th, 1:45 pm

Photo of Madison Burgess and Emily Rapley.