Carlos Acosta: On Before. Theatre Royal Plymouth, till 28 February 2024. 5✩✩✩✩✩ Review: Cormac Richards

There are not many chances in life to see an artist perform who has been regarded as the best in the world. At 50, there are probably limited opportunities left to see Carlos Acosta dance live. Thus his current tour ‘On Before’ is gathering huge audiences as those who have followed his career and those who are new to his work are drawn in like a very powerful magnet.

Comprising nine vignettes the evening begins with a soundscape of falling rain and distant thunder with droplets covering the curtain; the sombre theme set from the off; Acosta acknowledging the piece is part homage to his late Mother. Although performed before, the work has been updated and reconfigured.

Acosta is partnered by the equal talent of Laura Rodríguez and the two create duets and solo performances of beauty, creativity and power. They complement each other well as one can imagine.

The programme begins with the duo ‘On Before’ choreographed by Will Tuckett; a close symmetry of dance, counterpointed by John Adams’ ‘Christian Zeal & Activity’; the fluidity of movement punctuated by the spoken word. Sublime. There is a claustrophobic feel to the whole with ‘Sirin’ suggested a trapped bird and the stunning and unforgettable ‘Two’ where Acosta uses his physique to full effect in the confines of a small box of light – it ends the first half with gasps from the audience.

The stage is strewn with lit candles giving space for Rodríguez to offer more expansive movement to the strains of the aria ‘Per te lasciai la luce’ from Handel’s Italian cantata ‘Delirio Amoroso’; it is visually and aurally arresting. This is followed by something completely different as a stage screen is projected with a slow motion film of the two protagonists – as the evening has defined them – up very close and personal; physical, emotional and exploring all emotions of a relationship. It is unexpected and riveting.

The show closes with the end of the partnership as the life of one of the two ends and are transported to another life. Throughout the show a group of people (silent observers? life continuing as the troubled couple deal with their issues and angst?)  walk back and forth across the stage, sometimes in a formation and sometimes not, their part in the proceedings only revealed at the very end as they form an ethereal choir performing Morten Lauridson’s ‘O Magnum Mysterium’ – it is stirring and an utterly fitting climax. It was wonderful that this choir were created from local organisations; Exeter Festival Chorus, South West Chamber Choir, ExeVox, Andrea Brown, Dartington Community Choir and The Collati Singers.

This is a show to make you think, to ponder, to absorb and to admire. Acosta and Rodríguez are mesmerising and sublime; the dynamics between them are extraordinarily varied and powerful. The choreography by Will Tuckett, Miguesl Altunga, Yury Yankowsky, Russell Maliphant, Kim Brandstrup, Beatriz Garcia, Raul Reinoso, George Cespedes, Carlos Acosta and Zenaida Yanowsky is extraordinary throughout. The music takes us through the ages from Handel to Acosta’s home of Cuba; inspired choices.

The programme holds together as an exploration of human emotion at its most vulnerable.

As ever, with dance, the lighting is often a ‘character’ all of its own and this never disappoints; how the blurred movement visuals are created in ‘Two’ is a wonder; cinematic and unforgettable.

Carlos Acosta has said that this is one of his most important works and while his multitude of fans may wish to see him in the classical ballet roles he is known for, his contemporary dance work is here to see for all and in a theatre where no one wanted the show to end it was a true privilege to witness.

Cast & Creatives

On Before

Choreography: Will Tuckett

Music: Boosey & Hawkes for Christian Zeal & Activity - music by John Adams

Lighting Design: Chris Davey

Performed by: Carlos Acosta & Laura Rodríguez

Memoria

Choreography: Miguel Altunaga

Music – Written by Fernando Corona, performed by Murcof, published by District 6 Music Publishing Ltd Courtesy of The Leaf Label & District 6.

Memoria performed by Murcof used courtesy of The Leaf Label by arrangement with Woodwork Music

Lighting Design: Chris Davey

Performed by: Carlos Acosta

Sirin

Choreography: Yury Yanowsky

Music: Alberto Iglesias - Luces En La Ventana from Vacas; Piece 1 from Dispara; Fragment 1 from La Ardilla Roja

Lighting Design: Chris Davey

Performed by: Laura Rodríguez

Two

Choreography: Russell Maliphant Music: Andy Cowton
Lighting Design: Michael Hulls

Performed by: Carlos Acosta

Footnote to Ashton

Choreography: Kim Brandstrup Music: Handel
Performed by: Laura Rodríguez

Falling Deep Inside

Director: Estudio 50
Digital Direction: Robin Pedraja
Sound Design: James Symonds
Music: Little People Moon & Start Shootin

Nosotros

Choreography: Beatriz García & Raúl Reinoso

Lighting & Costume Design: Beatriz García and Raúl Reinoso

Music - Piano & Arrangements: José V. Gavilondo

Music - Cello: Alejandro Martinez

Performed by: Carlos Acosta & Laura Rodríguez

Hand Duets

Choreography: George Céspedes & Carlos Acosta

Music: Omar Puente – Parallel Lives

Performed by: Carlos Acosta & Laura Rodríguez

O Magnum Mysterium

Choreography: Carlos Acosta & Zenaida Yanowsky
Music: The Choir perform Morten Lauridsen’s O Magnum Mysterium Creative Producer: Simon Elliott
Performed by: Carlos Acosta & Laura Rodríguez