The steeply raked auditorium focuses on a jewel-like stage exploding with the rhythm of MAYUMANA, the opening production of Chicago Human Rhythm Project’s Stomping Ground Festival that runs through the end of May. You too might be thinking-- Harris Theater was built to showcase dance.
MAYUMANA - Music from the Mundane
Eight young artists sing, dance, leap, summersault, and create non-stop percussion from everyday objects: plastic trash cans with strobing lights, a tub of water, red cups, five-gallon buckets, 50-gallon drums, and boxes. Only towards the last number is there the step-lively tempo of snare drums. Microphones are everywhere: on the floor, inside the objects, in their garments, in their hands. The beat pulses through the Harris. There is a bit of supporting recorded music, but you soon lose interest in trying to segregate one from the other.
Then there were swim fins!-- on hands and feet, microphoned. The ensemble created duets, quartets and a chorus line of flippered people who clapped, slapped, swished and swam—all perfectly synchronized. The fins appeared to be neon or reflective, which added visual charisma to spectacle.
Video creates the scenery for MAYUMANA
MAYUMANA’s video is one with the performers--a constant, pulsing environment. Gidi Rabi, the video artist, created the electrifying stage scenes that merged each number. The title of the performance is Currents: An Electrifying Show. It was inspired by the historical Battle of Currents between Thomas Edison and Nikola Tesla in their quest for finding energy sources for the world. However, the only reference was a bass xylophone made from PVC pipes, almost off-stage, with “Currents” spelled across the front. There appeared to be no other reference to the historical battle, except the music was almost always combative.
MAYUMANA was a rousing start to the Stomping Ground Festival, in this writer’s view. This much percussion is best enjoyed in short bursts, so after one hour, the audience was giddy with primitive rhythm, but not overserved. MAYUMANA is recommended for lovers of strong rhythm and dance, and the use of instruments made from found objects. One word of caution, children in the audience will soon turn their spaces into instruments as they create rhythm from glasses, dishes, cutlery, dashboards, books, walking, running…and the beat goes on.
MAYUMANA is from Israel
Boasting performers from around the globe, Tel Aviv-based MAYUMANA puts strong emphasis on the unity and synchronization of the group while celebrating and highlighting the talent and beauty of each performer.
This performance was the official launch of the Stomping Ground Festival, which runs through the end of May 2019. Most performances are FREE.
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED
Creators & Artistic Directors: Eylon Nuphar, Boaz Berman
Music: Boaz Berman, Eylon Nuphar, Ido Kagan
Costumes Designer: Hadas Zur
Lighting Designer: Roy “Junior” Milo
Sound Designer: Amir Schorr
Set & Props Designers: Boaz Berman, Michael Kremenko
Video Art and Video Mapping: Gidi Rabi
Editor’s Note: For more information on the Stomping Grounds festival read Chicago Human Rhythm Project presents STOMPING GROUND Review – The Best Chicago Percussive Dance FREE in Your Neighborhood.
Photos courtesy of Chicago Human Rhythm Project
Reviewer Ann Boland is committed to Chicago theater. Involved in the audience since the early 80’s, she’s witnessed firsthand the rise of our theater scene, our exceptional local talent, and the vigor of each new generation. Ann handles public relations for authors and works on programs to help seniors with neurological movement disorders. Please visit her website for more information.
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