Scottish Ballet return to Aberdeen for one night only with their latest commissioned piece, ‘Twice-Born’. The double bill of contemporary ballet showcases two contrasting pieces by Olivier award winning dancer, Dickson Mbi (Twice-Born) and internationally acclaimed choreographer, Cayeton Soto (‘Schachmatt’).
Split into two acts, Soto’s piece ‘Schachmatt’ (Checkmate!) is presented as the first act. Soto lists Bob Fosse as one of his greatest influences and this certainly reflects in this piece with sharp, subtle but incredibly effective choreography and direction as the ensemble moves as one, across a giant chess board set (also designed by Soto). The dance ensemble excel in this piece displaying a resolute unison to their movement whilst also being given the opportunity to showcase themselves seamlessly as individuals and in smaller pairings and groups. Costume design (Soto) is simple, uniformed and compliments the choreography and style of the piece well. The cast of ‘Schachmatt’ featured a 10 strong ensemble including (at this performance): Kayla-Matee Tarantolo, Melissa Polson, Claire Souet, Rishan Benjamin, Noa Barry, Andrea Azzari, Aaron Venegas, Benjamin Thomas, Ishan Mahabir-Stokes and Harvey Evans.
Whilst it is only 20 minutes in runtime, it is camp, witty and carries bundles of energy. The unity of the piece is incredibly impressive but the choreography and direction still allows wiggle room for fun and individuality from the ensemble. The soundtrack of Latin Jazz (featuring music by Rina Ketty, Michel Le Grand, Jack Constanzo, Monna Bell, María Teresa Lara – Toñ) caters to the retro feel of the piece. A seamless blend of Fosse (with subtle nods to the iconic Rich Man’s Frug from Sweet Charity) and shades of contemporary choreography, not too dissimilar to the recent work of Shay Latukolan – best known for his choreography and creative vision on the viral, visual album ‘Volcano’ from dance duo, Jungle – ensures that despite being the shorter of the double-bill, the audience are sure to remember this piece.
Act 2 is dedicated to Dickson Mbi’s vision, ‘Twice-Born’. A dystopian spectacle inspired by ancient parables – set in another world where matriarchal figures are sacrificed and reborn.
At this performance, the ensemble is led by principal dancers, Xolisweh Richards and Anna Williams. Richards and Williams are nothing short of incredible in this piece, moving with an unwavering sense of purpose, strength and emotion. When required, Richards and Williams are able to blend seamlessly with the ensemble’s intricate movements that appear to allow them to move as a one solid unit; however, they excel even further when carrying solo moments through the piece – both physically on stage and when being suspended from flies.
The ensemble at this performance of ‘Twice-Born’ included: Aisling Brangan, Rishan Benjamin, Kayla-Maree Tarantolo, Grace Paulley, Madline Squire, Urara Takata, Noa Barry, Grace Horler, Gina Scott, Evan London, Jerome Anthony Barnes, Thomas Edwards, Mackenzie Jacob, James Garrington, Harvey Littlefield, Joel Wright, Andrea Azzari, Mackenzie Jacob and Ishan Mahabir-Stokes.
Providing the concept, direction, choreography and original music for the commission for the Scottish Ballet, it is clear that this has been a passion project for Mbi. His own unique movement styles and ability to inject this piece with a deep connection through music and his own personal experiences, creates an intense, gripping masterpiece.
An impressive set, designed by Ruby Law, adds a degree of intensity to the atmosphere of the piece. The production overall carries a certain earthy tone – complemented beautifully with lightning design by Jessica Hung Han Yo – and through a physical set in the form of rocks, which begin scattered around the stage, before being suspended in the air. From the moment they clatter to the ground around Richards, these somewhat simple, yet effective set pieces almost feel as though they carry their own character and significance when being supported and manoeuvred by the ensemble. Set and lighting design combine and compliment Mbi’s musicality and choreography during a moment of sacrifice for Williams, which sees the ensemble covered in UV paint whilst also manipulating these set pieces, with UV revealing tribal style markings in line with the piece and its overarching themes.
Costume design by Debbie Duru compliments without hindering or distracting from the production and provides the ensemble with brief opportunities for character through futuristic glittering mouth pieces.
It is truly impressive to see how the large ensemble adopts Mbi’s unique movement style and storytelling to create a unified, thrilling spectacle of contemporary dance fusion.
Scottish Ballet continues to push boundaries and experiment as a company, which they have certainly done so again with this epic production. Whilst the double-bill could not be more contrasting, there is a similarity in the unity, precision, individuality and epic scale that both choreographers have captured and delivered in this commission for the Scottish Ballet. It was truly a joy to experience this piece in a packed theatre – especially given its limited run.
‘Twice-Born’ visits the Festival Theatre in Edinburgh on 20 & 21st October 2023 for three performances exclusively and a pre-show ballet talk.
Visit: https://scottishballet.co.uk/whats-on/twice-born/ for more information.
Theatre Scotland 
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