Boxe Boxe at The Lowry Review
Boxe Boxe
The Lowry, Manchester
8 April 2014
Reviewed by Ann Durrell
Boxe Boxe is a dance show by the French company Compagnie Kafig, with choreography by their artistic director Mourad Merzouki. The performance is described as a fusion of contemporary and street dance along with martial arts and music provided by a string quartet.
The set is kept simple, a large iron gate and grandiose wrought iron chairs for the String Quartet. The soundtrack to the show is classical and the musicians were very much included in the performance rather than just sat in the background.
Our first view of the dancers is their boxing gloves appearing from a ring moving with such animation it appeared puppet like. During the first dance at times I felt their movements were so fluid during floor work that they appeared almost feline. Through several dances we saw the performers showcase their martial arts moves, such as roundhouse kicks and an array of punches, it was hard to comprehend at times how on earth they did so with little or no contact. Keeping with the boxing/martial arts theme dances also included props such as speedballs, pads and punch bags. An injection of comedy was brought by the referee who, looking like Tweedle Dum and in a stripped false belly outfit, still performed backflips and moves you would not think possible.
During the encore, set to more modern music, each of the dancers had the opportunity to showcase their individual talents and we saw some amazing breakdance and body popping.
I thought that the choreography was fantastic, the punches and moves in perfect timing. It really did merge the boundaries between dance and martial arts.
It was complemented by the lighting which was also executed exceptionally well. I really enjoyed the concept of having modern dance set to classical music rather than playing safer with Hip Hop or house.
The show itself lasted 65 minutes with no interval and the audience was mixed, predominantly adults and a few children of primary school age and over. I would definitely recommend this show, not just to dance fans but also those of martial arts.
Rating: 5/5 
Compagnie Käfig Boxe Boxe is on tour until 18 April 2014. For more information, tour dates or to book tickets online visit www.danceconsortium.com.
The Lowry, Pier 8, Salford Quays, Manchester, M50 3AZ | Box Office 0843 208 6000
