Wen Wei Wang’s Cock-Pit in Vancouver, BC

Posted by
Lori Henry
Feb 25, 2009

Cock-Pit, Choreographed by Wen Wei Wang

Performers: Scott Augustine, Edmond Kilpatrick, Josh Martin, David Raymond and Alison Denham

Winner of 2009 Rio Tinto Alcan Performing Arts Award for dance

Venue: Scotiabank Dance Centre (677 Davie Street, Vancouver)

Dates: Feb. 24-28, 2009

It began with eggs and a few guys; it transpired into a simply complex peephole into the fascinating world of young men behind closed doors.

Choreographer Wen Wei Wang (not performing) used some of the most talented male dancers in Vancouver in a wild mesh of styles. Each brought his own background with him, fleshing out the story of four guys interacting in the sometimes aggressive, other times sexual dance of their lives.

Wen Wei brings with him memories of being a dance student in China and living with four boys. How they pushed each other, played with each other and bonded with each other is told through the revealing bodies of the male performers.

Alison Denham is the sole female dancer, adding an element of these young men’s mothers, girlfriends and sexuality.

Feathers are used as extensions of their bodies, sometimes phallic, usually playful, and add, not only a cultural element (they are used in the Chinese Opera), but as a thermometer: these “extensions” tested the space around them, giving each performer another way of communicating.

Aesthetically, it was an inspired way to add another dimension to the physical body. When Scott Augustine uses two feathers as wings for the first time, there is something innocent yet daring about his movements. Each new incarnation of the feathers exposes one more facet to the complicated years of growing up.

I cannot finish without commenting on the delirious lighting. Theatre favourite James Proudfoot outdoes himself yet again with sudden side flashes or distinct spotlights. He creates a lab both based in reality and swirling in the confused and hyper minds of the male performers.

An exquisitely executed show that reminds us why private partnership in the arts is so important. Read more about the Rio Tinto Alcan Performing Arts Award.