COUNTERPOINT At The Jade Monkey – Adelaide Fringe Review

The Jade Monkey, Sun Feb 15 Listed in the Music section of the Fringe guide, Counterpoint is a cycle of 12 songs presented by three voices who are also the songwriters – Mary Webb, Leon Hewer and Fergus O’Regan. They are accompanied by Sarah O’Brien on violin, with some occasional percussion from Leon. The vocal arrangements are complex and striking, the songs are well written, and the performance of these songs would normally be more than enough to make a satisfying show. But there is more going on than just the music. There is also a visual art component, with Sarah Pierce and Courtney Bignell in full body-paint performing ‘acro-yoga’ movements on a mat in front of the stage. The bodypainting does not happen during the performance – the two models were prepared earlier by artist Wendy Webb, whose paintings of the dancers adorn the walls and are for sale. The movements are not the feats of acrobatic impossibility seen at the circus end of the Fringe. These are gentle movements associated with yoga that are physically more demanding than might be expected in the average yoga class. Some unexpected humour on this night when a three year old member of the audience attempts to copy some of the movements being performed on the mat in front of her. If there is a problem with this format it is that it can be a little difficult to focus on the lyrics of the songs on the sheets provided, and hence take in the meaning of the song cycle, whilst enjoying the beauty of the choreography taking place in front of stage. The best you can hope for is to absorb as much as you can through all of your senses. And your senses are in for a treat! Adrian Miller COUNTERPOINT continues at The Jade Monkey at 8.30pm until Thu Mar 5. Book at FringeTIX on 1300 621 255 or adelaidefringe.com.au/fringetix. Click HERE to purchase your tickets.