Edinburgh FestivaL Fringe Scotsman review: East, A Woman Shifting On Time Axis at Paradise in the Kirkhouse (Venue 155), reviewed by Kelly Apter

 

There are so many symbolic moments in this intimate work by Taiwan’s Water Reflection Dance Ensemble, that your mind races trying to figure them all out. It’s not until the end, however, when choreographer Hui-Chen Tan invites you to ask questions and pass comment in the foyer, that you find out. Which, in some ways, is too late.

 

But even without inside knowledge, there is much to behold here, both visually and metaphorically. Hui-Chen set out to reflect the changing role of women in the East – a huge topic with many permutations. So she deals in broad brush strokes; clothes are swapped from traditional to modern, hair comes down, and bound feet are liberated from tiny satin shoes.

 

This newfound freedom of movement comes at a price, however, hinted at by the male dancer struggling to come to terms with 21st-century woman. And regardless of social conventions and expectations, there is still laundry to be done.

 

Hui-Chen’s choreography is slow and contemplative at first, leading to more frenetic movement, and blending traditional steps with ballet and modern dance. Enjoy it for the visual aesthetics, then stick around afterwards to discover what it all meant.