“Assisted Solo” Review

Choreographed by; Phillip Connaughton in collaboration with Lucy Kickham and Magili Caillet
Funded by; The Arts Council in partnership with The Projects Art Centre
Supported by; Dance Ireland
Developed at; The Fringe Lab with support of The Dublin Fringe Festival
Seen at; The Everyman Theatre September 22nd

This show is truly “out there” in many aspects.
From its narrative, tech and choreography Phillip has created a very reflective piece for both himself and his audience. Initially the lack of dialogue and bizarre movements may throw an audience off which is something Phillip knew and regardless went onwards with his vision. It was rather difficult to understand some of the movements in the early parts as they are not given context to or in the odd case being blatantly obvious as to what they were. Shortly after the opening perhaps the most uncomfortable scene in which Phillip explores his sexuality as a child serves to be a landmark scene in the show. This worked well due to the intentional extended length of the scene and vulgar nature which serves as a means of not being so rigid around sensitive issues around sexuality and curiosity.
Lucia and Magili do a wonderful job in terms of chorography especially solo scenes with Magili in which she explored a perspective of dementia where she expresses the loss of ability in simple tasks. Lucia on the other hand is a formidable dancer but was not part of such monumental scenes in my opinion therefore making me pay less attention to her.
What made the piece likable was the screen above stage which played short clips of Phillip and his Dementia suffering mother going through everyday life together. How this works well is it can be seen as a universal concept as in people taking care of one another but what is more interesting about this is that Phillip explains it in a way that takes away the immediate pity and awkwardness that comes from mentioning something like dementia.
With this knowledge it shows his mother as a very upbeat individual who retains great character and humour.
In conclusion the aspects which might fly over an audiences head is better explained by Phillip on the after show discussion which enriches the piece as a whole and solidifies a deeper appreciation in the piece