Mayflower Theatre, Southampton – until 13 May 2023
Reviewed by Gemma Gibson
4****
Put explosive and athletic choreography, a mix of iconic styles and a dramatic story with twists and turns together, complete with a catalogue of songs inspired by the brilliant lyrical genius Sting, and you’ve got yourself an incredible new dance show.
Message in a Bottle is a refreshing new work that shines the light on a different side of conflict, war and displacement.
In this fictional tale of loss and love, exploring real life themes, we follow the lives of a family impacted by a civil war and their attempted travels to safer shores. When teenage siblings Leto, Mati and Tana are separated during the journey, it is up to them to persevere alone but with family in their hearts.
Directed and choreographed by Kate Prince, and performed by ZooNation: The Kate Prince Company, this work has everything you would expect from a dance show. In particular for me, the fusion of dance styles, the emotion and chemistry between characters, and the attention-to-detail musicality.
The mixture of break dancing, effortless lifts and intricate, fast footwork is performed with so much power and emotion, it is mesmerising from start to finish. And it tells the story beautifully.
What adds an extra layer to this piece is of course the music, using a range of songs written by musical legend Sting. I had no idea what to expect, but the incorporation of such evocative, passionate and catchy music and lyrics amplified the piece to new heights.
Everyone was waiting for Roxanne to make an appearance, and it did not disappoint.
Other songs including Fields of Gold, Every Breath you Take, and, of course, Message in a Bottle, had the audience tapping and humming along throughout. And it’s these timeless hits that are cleverly used to capture the important storyline, movement and emotion of each and every scene.
Message in a Bottle’s lighting and costume is a fantastic aid in telling the story, but how the set is used, from crates to climbing frames, is just so well done too. It is another way of moving the story along while showing off the personality, strength and talent of each dancer.
The choice of coupling this plot and music may feel random at first, but by the time you are leaving the theatre it just makes complete sense. This show is a masterpiece.