by Archie Whyld

What an honour to be invited to residence of the Argentine ambassador on Belgrave Square for the UK premiere of South American dance sensation, Malevo. After being treated to a glass (or two) of Malbec from Vistalba of the Mendoza region of Argentina (characterised by subtle hints of ripe cherry and more complex notes of leather, tobacco and black pepper, it was both delicious and moreish), I was suitably primed for this high energy, intricately choreographed, blast of Malambo passion.

Under the leadership of founder and choreographer, Matías  Jaime, Malevo have reimagined
the traditional Malambo Argentine dance, infusing it with live drumming, fast-paced
footwork and the expert use of boleadoras, a gaucho throwing weapon made of weights on
the end of a rope. Standing on the front row, I felt perilously close to the whips and lashes of
the boleadoras; there was at once a sense of danger, but also an inescapable magnetic pull – it
was seemingly impossible to not be utterly drawn into the leather clad, fiery intensity.
The all-male troupe are already a global success, reaching the semi-final on America’s Got
Talent no less, and currently on a world tour, for which the Sadlers Wells, Peacock Theatre,
is fortunate enough to be a part of.

I highly recommend you grab a glass of Malbec, brace yourself and enter the world of
Malevo.

Malevo runs through 4 November.

The Play’s the Thing UK is committed to covering fringe and progressive theatre in London and beyond. It is run entirely voluntarily and needs regular support to ensure its survival. For more information and to help The Play’s the Thing UK provide coverage of the theatre that needs reviews the most, visit its patreon.