You have to wonder at the South Bank’s marketing efforts.
On Saturday night, the QEH was no more than half full, despite hosting one of the best European dance troupes.
It boasts two singers, five musicians, an intriguing set, a brilliantly designed cast-sheet-cum-programme, and nine dancers who combine humour and athleticism in what’s called character-based work — the moves reflect who the dancers are, and the bodies they have (curvy African woman, bendy European man), rather than an ideal imposed from on high.
The Belgium dance co-operative C de la B is best known for its 2004 London performances of Wolf, which featured 14 dogs alongside the dancers, singers and musicians.
Its rag-taggity mix of dance, song and larks can be seen in Ashes, a 90-minute piece by company member Koen Augustijnen, who uses the title as a metaphor for impermanence, and how we try to stall the inexorable.
Ashes is a bit long, and Augustijnen has trouble winding things up, although this may intentionally reflect our reluctance to leave our own stage.
Either way, it comprises a series of mostly falling and floor-based solos, duets and group dances whose informality sneaks past considerable insight.
Ashes reminds us that our humanity, and the here and now is all we have.
Les Ballets C De La B: Ashes
Queen Elizabeth Hall
