My overall impression
How do you turn a diverse range of experiences and life lessons experienced by a vibrant young woman, into one indomitable story? The answer, inscribed at the heart of Stella Valente’s most stirring performance, “Shut Up and Dance” lies in the power of dance.
The work, whilst funny and poignant, contains nuggets of wit and insight, yet there’s a scrappiness about all of them that cumulatively educates and charms.
Her story of life, love and dance and dealing in the physiology of action and sensation is revealed through the language of dance, a language that becomes increasingly complex.
This is a clever concept, expertly directed by Richard Embardo, two narratives cueing us to see life and dance in alternate ways. Yet, her imagination take us on a journey through the absurd to the divine.
Of all the Fringe shows I’ve managed to see this is by far my favorite, and gratifying to see the performance was sold out, a rarity these days.
It’s performances such as this that should make other fringe shows sit up and take note.
Stella and Richard should feel very happy about the shape of the show they’ve obviously worked hard to bring to the Fringe.. Perhaps this show is destined for bigger and better things?
“Shut up and Dance” is compellingly watchable.
