Dancers Revel in Age and Stage Realities

The Byre Theatre in St Andrews hosted "Revel," a production by Company Chordelia that thoughtfully examines the experiences of aging dancers. Conceived by artistic director Kally Lloyd-Jones, who also performs alongside co-creator Steinvör Palsson, the show directly addresses the physical challenges and emotional concerns that come with a seasoned performing career.

Beginning in a seemingly empty dressing room, the piece unfolds as the two dancers prepare for a performance with only nine hours to go. Their warm-up routines vary drastically, from Palsson's serene qigong to Lloyd-Jones's more vigorous approach, interspersed with personal checklists including multivitamins and HRT patches.

As the clock ticks down, the performers drift into evocative dance memories, ranging from classical ballet excerpts to more abstract gestural sequences. These reveries are punctuated by moments of shared levity, such as a crossword puzzle break with snacks and a humorous rendition of "Whatever Lola Wants."

The narrative also includes a poignant segment where Barbies are used to illustrate past abilities, before being dramatically smashed. Despite efforts to embody aging through exaggerated movements, the dancers' inherent skills and stage histories shine through, their clarity and delicate control undiminished. Their strong comic rapport and precisely calibrated performances contribute to the show's charm.