A Life in Four Seasons at Regent's Park Open Air Theatre brings together dancers of all ages, representing the four seasons of life, in a performance set to a reimagined Vivaldi score. While the concept is clever, the execution falls short of its potential.
A Dance Through Life's Seasons
The show features performers whose ages range from spring to winter, each bringing their unique experience to the stage. Choreographed by Alexzandra Sarmiento, known for her work in musicals and theatre, the piece attempts to blend various dance styles into a cohesive whole. However, the movement often lands in a mildly street dance-influenced zone, locked into a basic 4/4 rhythm, which doesn't fully showcase the dancers' individual strengths.
One highlight is Michael Naylor's energetic rave-up in a club scene, where his signature style shines through. The trio of dancers for each season, dressed in blue, pink, and orange, represent the head, heart, and gut of a person, though this symbolism isn't immediately clear. The set includes boxes labeled HEAD, HEART, and GUT, but their connection to the dancing feels tenuous.
Vivaldi Remix by DJ Walde
The soundtrack, by DJ Walde of ZooNation Dance Company, chops and splices Vivaldi's Four Seasons with thumping beats. While it adds energy, it doesn't reach the heights of Max Richter's 2012 reinterpretation. At key moments, such as the club scene, the Vivaldi is reduced to a sample, allowing the beats to take over and the dancers to feel more comfortable.
Ultimately, the show lacks a strong sense of story, character, or purpose. It's commendable that Regent's Park Open Air Theatre commissions dance to prove it can be great theatre without songs or script, but to convert audiences, the work must be exceptional. This production, while enjoyable, doesn't quite achieve that.
At Open Air Theatre, London, until 14 June.
