“Molly truly is a work of dance theatre, a play written with dancerly lines. The plot may not be linear, the pay-off less obvious, but the journey is deeply satisfying.”

- Paul Ransom, Dance Informa

Molly takes a 20th century play by Jane Bowles as its starting point and renders it into a landscape reminiscent of 70s films, traversed by dancers.

A woman who doesn’t want anything and doesn’t want to go anywhere and wants to stay exactly where she is, is joined by another woman, and then another. Figures drift in and out of frame, they wander and wonder… then they thrash and lash out at one another suddenly.

Described as ‘Lynchian’; ‘Dreamlike’; ‘Masterful theatre and dance’ and ‘like Tennessee Williams had a dream he is trying to remember’, Molly’s movement vocabulary rhythmically and tonally shapes toward narrative, without ever revealing itself. We sense consequential relational encounters, emotive states and inner worlds; while nothing is entirely legible. A palpable ennui, dread, or nostalgia is undercut by formally rigorous choreography that veers into theatricality - but never settles there. The result is a dreamlike cast over a choreographic world.

Molly is an innovation in narrative and dance —movement coexists with story rather than serving it. This not-quite dance theatre is performed by an exemplary ensemble, treading a fine line between dance and acting.

People

Direction and Choreography: Caroline Meaden

Performers: Fleur Conlon, Alice Dixon, Michelle Heaven, William McBride, Caroline Meaden, Emma Riches, Janelle Tan, Simin Dolatkhah and Simon Brownjohn

Sound Design: Kevin Lo

Lighting Design: Jordi Edwards

Costume Design: Rob McCredie with Caroline Meaden

Dramaturg and Producer: William McBride

Presented by Union House Theatre (Guild Theatre) and University of Melbourne Arts and Culture for Melbourne Fringe

Supported by Creative Victoria, Geelong Arts Centre Creative Engine, Lucy Guerin Inc Residency, Platform Arts Residency, The Loft Dance and Yoga Space Residency, Temperance Hall Residency, City of Port Phillip Cultural Development Fund, Union House Theatre and University of Melbourne Arts and Culture.

First image by Mischa Baka, other images by Jeff Busby

Review by Paul Ransom, Dance Informa: https://dancemagazine.com.au/2024/10/molly-at-melbourne-fringe-we-are-all-actors/