Havana Rakatan - A review by Elizabeth Sheldon |
|
What energy, such excitement and glorious colour. That just about sums up the first night of Havana Rakatan at the Milton Keynes Theatre last night. It was a full house with a very appreciative audience. We all thoroughly enjoyed the entertainment, almost as much as the performers I think, who seemed to really have tremendous fun. It was that element that made the evening so special. If you think of how many times they have performed this show, to still have as much enthusiasm for it as they showed last night, is a true testimonial to their professional ism and dedication. The set was simple. The band, all Cuban were, visible on a raised platform behind the stage. Behind the band the background changed to reflect the country or mood of the dance being performed at that time. The band were superb, playing traditional Cuban music with jazz themes. The singers were also very good, particularly Geydi Chapman. She was able to provide one or two translations during the humorous singing dialogues, to give the non Spanish and Haitian Creole-speaking members of the audience a clue as to what was transpiring between the singers. The dancers were superb. They performed 20 different dances in total, all with separate colourful and exciting costumes. The first act took us through the history of Cuba performed in dance, including the introduction of slaves from Africa over 500 years ago. It was imaginative and beautiful to watch. The second act dwelled on the different dances that are associated with Cuba such as the Rumba and the salsa. The company Ballet Rakatan was formed by Director Nilda Guerra Sanchez in 2001 and they have toured practically around the world. In 2006 they performed at the Edinburgh festival and were awarded The Five Stars Award, granted to the most viewed and press covered company at the Festival. Mention must be made of the dancer/choregraphers Joel Garmendia, Yoanis Reinaldo Pelaez Tamayo and Yordan Mayedo Perez, who were inventive and extremely fit and agile in their performances. Mariluz Ramirez Perez was also very graceful and elegant. The band and dancers swapped roles at the end and the audience were encouraged, although we need little coercion, to stand and dance along. It was great fun and a fabulous note to end on. So, it is on till Sunday 20th April, go and book tickets for a fun-packed vibrant musical evening of jazz and dance, Cuban style. |