What I liked
The simplicity in the first few moments made me wonder where the depth in the work might live, and the work certainly chooses to exist in simple terms. When the other elements of the show beyond the performer herself started to arrive, such as video and audio, is when this piece became something challenging yet lucid. Toys really allows the individual elements – the movement, the acting, the sound, flashes of video – to create a situation where we viewers imagine the violence and isolation of sex trafficking as Evans and the team present it. These strong choices are bold and make the piece compelling.
What I didn't like
Toys achieves its mission and that it’s done in short form is relevant. I do wonder about the performance of emotions. Exhaustion, terror, and some sweet wonder seem to be the constant. Again, well performed and rightly a solo. Does there become room for other rhythms of lived experience to enter into the piece too? Perhaps that would mean a longer performance with slightly different goals.
My overall impression
A short, small scale-work that makes a strong impact with its purpose. Compositionally really well done. Good dance-theatre.
