Review for “Political Mother” Dance Performance

Political Mother was my favorite event thus far. It was unique, entertaining, comical, and powerful. The performance conveyed a dark and evil sensation that gave me goosebumps numerous times throughout the performance. The beat was really intense and powerful, especially in the beginning, and there were even parts that were startling, such as the transition from complete silence to loud banging drums. Even when the music became quiet, the choreography of the dancers was able to keep the beat alive and loud, which shows how in sync all the dancers were. I really thought it was cool how the lighting of the stage was able to change the dimensions of the stage, for example, making it seem like a closed, square enclosure or a multileveled room. The lighting was also very effective at creating contrast in the theatre, which was painful for my eyes at some points.

The dancing itself was very interesting. I have always thought of dancing as sweet, fluid motions as in ballet, or as strong quick thrusts as in hip-hop, but never as erratic, zombie-like movements. It was something I have never seen before. The performance was also unique in that it added a comical aspect at the most unexpected period. When the words, “When there is pressure there is” were displayed, I was expecting a serious and meaningful message, but instead, the word ‘folkdance’ lit up, which I thought was very surprising and funny.

Since Halloween is coming up, I thought we saw the performance at the perfect time since it emitted an eerie environment, fitting for Halloween! The fog, strobe lights, and ghostly music, such as the sudden switch from heavy guitar solos to sweet classical music, reminded me of a haunted insane asylum. The zombie-like movements of the dancers also added to this notion.

As for the plot and meaning of the performance, I believe it is about society and politics taking over the world. The singer reminded me of a wicked dictator controlling the minds of the dancers. I saw the different performers as a hierarchy of evilness, from the drummers to the guitarists to the singer. However, the dancers were trying to break away from the mind-controlling singer, which represented society and politics. Towards the end, the playing of the song “Both Sides Now” signified the dancers breaking free from the tyrannical singer.

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