As I sit at the back of the Crescent Arts Centre’s Cube Theatre for an early afternoon performance of
Moonlight Dream, there are almost two stories being told in parallel in front of me. On the silvery grey circular dance floor, a child is wriggling around, as if in a cot attempting to get to sleep. Soon she’ll be joined by a couple of woodland creatures (technically a fox and a bear) who will gently help her along the journey to a restful and dream-filled sleep lit by the moon and accented by stars.
But around the circumference of the circular dance floor, there are also unchoreographed interactions between the youngest audience members, with babies alternately gurgling as if in conversation, infants becoming restless, toddlers stretching out, and others completely rapt by the performers’ movement and by the live music coming from Ursula Burns perched on a riser to one side of the stage playing a blinged up harp (whose resplendent LED strip lighting could become a permanent feature.
Almost everyone – children and parents – seems to be drawn into the calming atmosphere. Dressed in pale linen, Andrea Madore cuddles into the glowing orbs dotted around the stage. Later as her character begins to dream, the orbs will be stacked up as snowmen and then become stepping stones, a way for her to reach up to the moon. Her animal friends (Janie Doherty and Sandy Cuthbert) bring some of the show’s props closer to the audience, giving eye contact to every child. The show was choregraphed by Georgia Tegou with set design and lighting by Ciarán Bagnall. Úna Hickey created the costumes.
Gentle noodling on the harp as the show begins soon develops into more recognisable song structures. As we reach the penultimate scene, lyrics are added and Burns is simultaneously playing harp with her right hand, tapping out a riff on piano with her left, and leading us in song as we journey towards the show’s conclusion. With glorious reverb and echo effects, the aural experience really complements the dance.
At the conclusion of the 30-minute performance, parents and wains are invited to ditch their outdoor shoes and move onto the dance floor for some playtime. Hoops and flat stepping stones appear, and soon there’s a hushed joy as the audience enjoy exploring the space a few of them had spent the last 30 minutes straining to invade. The dancers stay in costume and join in the play. Surprisingly, it doesn’t become loud or raucous. The soporific vibe of the dance has lulled everyone – adults included – into a zen-like state of calm. Parents don’t look stressed. Children look content. A
Moonlight Dream has been established during daytime.
The final performances on Sunday 9 March have already sold out. But hopefully Maiden Voyage Dance will be rewarded with sweet dreams and international dates to showcase this gorgeous snuggle of a show. And don’t forget to check out the remaining shows for young and old in this year’s Belfast Children’s Festival which runs until 15 March (brochure).
Photo credit: Ciarán Bagnall
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