by Laura Kressly

How do our jobs change our bodies? What is the choreography of work? What is the relationship between farming and dance? This two-person dance asks these questions through multiple styles from different countries. The rhythms of agriculture and cycles of growth also inform the speed, energy and movement qualities of the ever-evolving piece.

A large tray of soil, with a row of planted grasses traversing its diagonal, dominates the space. The most captivating moments involve the dancers directly engaging with it, such as lying in the soil or digging. These movements tend to be smaller and more nurturing, whereas those in the space around the dirt trough capture the effortful nature of agricultural labour. Sharp angles, straining muscles, and heavy breathing don’t try to disguise the work of dancing or make it look easy. Slow, slithery choreography, in contrast, suggests plants growing and gentle breezes. The shifts between these come unexpectedly. Often the varied styles occur simultaneously with each performer utilising movement qualities different from the other.

The pair often directly play with beats and rhythms – of course, this is an inherent part of dance – but drumming on the platforms the audience sit on, and their own bodies, evokes rain and storms that can be aggressive but essential to life and growth. These pulses are not quite a heartbeat, but evoke life and energy. Though the ending is abrupt, the performance prompts reflection about our own cycles of growth and rest.

Harvest runs through 19 August.

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