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Dance Review: Tocororo – A Cuban Tale - Saddler's Wells - Tuesdqy 15 July 2003
Reviewer: Ike Ikwuemesi
Carlos Acosta has often been referred to as one of the great dancers of our generation. And if you get the opportunity to
see Tocororo - A Cuban Tale, you’ll no doubt agree. Acosta not only stars as the eponymous title, but Tocororo also
represenst his directing and choreographing debut. Acosta, who came from an impoverished background, was trained through
the Cuban state ballet system and went on to dance at the Bolshoi when he was just 16.
Tocororo: A Cuban Tale is loosely autobiographical. Through the art of dance, it tells the story of a young rural boy
(initially played by Acosta’s prodigious young nephew) leaving home and confronting urbane and pulsating Havana. Acosta’s
hick character expresses himself through ballet against a contrasting gang of vivacious urban dancers. The story unfolds
as he forms new relationships and ends old ones, and these experiences force him to tackle and overcome change.
The supporting dance troupe, handpicked by Acosta, are phenomenal. The soundtrack provided by onstage musicians is
scintillating. The set design, though sparse, takes nothing away from the show. In fact, it adds to the engaging
performances.
Acosta’s awesome choreography vibrantly interprets the colliding of two worlds and the outcome of that event. The themes
of love, life, and personal integrity get played out through mesmerising ballet, Cuban breakdance and hybrid styles.
Highlights not only come from Acosta but also the young troupe (all trained at the Danza Contemporanea, Cuba’s leading
dance company). Duet performances between Acosta and Veronica Corveas, who plays love interest Clarita, are eye candy. And
the face-off scenes against the gang’s top dog (played by the funky Alexander Varona) display Acosta’s sizeable
chorographical acumen.
Tocororo is truly a dazzling piece – Acosta’s dancing prowess is beyond reproach.
Note: Tocoroco - A Cuban Tale runs from August 6 to August 30.
RELATED LINKS:
Tocororo web page
PUBLISHED: Sunday 27 July 2003
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::: RELATED LINKS
Tocororo web page
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