As we tend to equate mobility decline with old age, a modern dance performed by a team of elderly people is beyond our imagination. But that is exactly what a storytelling dance show boasts.
The show “TREETALK” (《一隅樹說》), produced by Comuna de Pedra, has a unique genre. The performance features a dance with a pile of wooden bricks serving as the only props. The dance begins with the performers standing in a circle, each holding a wooden brick in her hands. In turn they speak out loud, sharing about what they observe on the brick and what they imagine themselves doing with it. Gradually the performance evolves into a pattern of body movements as the performers walk about, moving the bricks up and down and at various angles, throwing their arms out at one moment and holding them back at the next. While one gets bricks piled up one by one in her folded arms, another has hers lifted off her forward-bending back. To the accompaniment of cheerful light music, the pace of the dance increases steadily until the movements come to a sudden standstill and the bricks are laid on the floor noiselessly.
The name being “TREETALK”, the highlight is the storytelling by the performers. Standing on the bricks, now flattened on the floor to form a makeshift mini-stage at the hall centre, each performer narrates her own story, mainly an unforgettable life experience that brings cheer to herself and to the audience. The final narration is that of the lead dancer, who elaborates her story with very graceful dancing steps amidst the bricks arranged in a way to simulate a three-dimensional layout plan of Macau.
Frankly speaking, “TREETALK” falls short of the expectations of the ordinary audience about a glamourous show. It takes place in the old-styled parlour of the Lou Lim Ieouk Garden without the attractions of a glittering backdrop, bizarre props and flashing stage lights. And, with the exception of two young professional dancers, the performers are aged between 65 and 74. From an economic perspective, therefore, the show seems unlikely to be a commercial success.
However, the concept behind it fills me with great admiration for the producer, the choreographer, the dancers and, in fact, for everyone involved in its production. According to Mr. Yonglok Ong, the choreographer, the seniors and the underprivileged are a marginalized community because their reduced mobility or loss of speech has led to their being misunderstood, boycotted and isolated. In fact, what they need is empathy rather than sympathy. Every one of them has a story to tell about his growth and struggles through life. They crave for the opportunity for these stories to be listened to.
The inclusive dance featured in the show “TREETALK”, regardless of age or ability, draws attention to the possibility of finding an answer to this need. It shows how art can move individuals to great heights and inspire one to create change and overcome challenges. Isn’t it amazing how the elderly performers balance themselves on the bricks, making movements inconceivable for people of their age?
The show “TREETALK” delivers a very positive message. There should be no social exclusion. Instead of being marginalized, the seniors and underprivileged are entitled to the right to express themselves through speech and body movements. In brief, everyone is welcome on the dancing floor.
