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Sarah Frater's rating
, Not Havana fabulous time
By
Sarah Frater
25 May 2007
Given the sell-out success of last year's samba dance show Brasil Brasileiro, it's no surprise the Sadler's Wells big-wigs booked a Cuban troupe for this year's summer slot.
Like Brazil, Cuba has a rich musical history, a vibrant dance scene, and some lovely looking dancers. If anything, Cuba is more interesting, what with Carlos Acosta and the Buena Vista Social Club, not to mention Castro himself. Who could name a Brazilian revolutionary?
Havana Rakatan is the work of Nilda Guerra, a Cuban dancer turned director whose two-hour crowd-pleaser tells the history of her country's music and dance.
It's the story of Spanish settlers and African slaves, only unlike other latin dance events, she reveals as much about the roots of Cuban culture as the way it looks now.
The result is a show with both a strong African flavour and a feelgood display of more recent Cuban grooves. In the first half, the African gods and goddesses, and their mythical stories, have considerable appeal, as does the loose-limbed rhythmic thrust of the Congo Cycle. After the interval, the Chan Chan has an unforgettable plushness, as does the Guantanamera and the cha-cha-cha.
The men look great, although the women are less assured, and all suffer from imprecise direction and uneven choreography. Guerra may say that this reflects Cuban culture, but Havana Rakatan is a stage show not social anthropology. Tighter links are needed between each musical number, of which there are too many.
There are also too many costume changes, and too many performers for the small Peacock stage, plus a fussiness to the production that distracts from salsa's sensual allure.
However, three cheers for Geydi Chapman, a fine singer with a magnificent posterior, the lively band (sadly over-amplified), and the maracas player, who is a song and dance sensation all on his own.
• Until 23 June (0844 412 4300, www.sadlerswells.com).
Details are correct at the time of publication - please check with venue before booking.
Reader views (5)
I loved the show. I don't go to the theatre often and usually only to see a play. This was magic. I'm no dancer, but I got caught up in the energy of the dance, the music and the changes in scenery. It was magic.
- Dorothy, London, 28/03/2008 14:11
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- g, f, 30/05/2007 08:53
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I wouldn't disagree with most of the comments above, though I thought Sarah Frater was a bit stingy with her stars. I left feeling quite buzzing but for those of a more genteel disposition who haven't experienced the general cacophopny of Cuban life, it might all seem a bit much. There probably were a few too many costume changes, but what great costumes. Let your hair down and go and enjoy it - and yes, Geydi Chapman's voice is to die for (not sure about her posterior)!
- Chaz, London, 29/05/2007 22:53
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I was hugely looking forward to this show, as I've seen some great dance productions at Sadler's Wells. Alas I was rather disappointed. For starters, practically the whole of the first act is dedicated to some tediously long African dancing: yes, yes, I understand that it's meant to convey the history of modern cuban dancing, but did the point have to be harboured for quite so long? If you're deeply into bongos by all means go, otherwise do yourself a favour and show up for the second act. Which is better but still not great. A lot of the dances lacked what seemed like any editorial input and are allowed to ramble on. Nonwithstanding the obvious talent of the performers the show simply lacks magic.
- Maria Elena Pittoni, London, 29/05/2007 10:16
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Amazing show. Beautifully performed. Dancers and musician give it all and they display great technique and sensuality.
Having been to Cuba I really get a sense of the different cultural expressions and their heritage from Africa, native Indians and Spain. Although I thought the flamenco bit needs to be improved or just taken out. It doesn't really reflect the power of flamenco dance and rhythm. The Cuban folklore, the African dance and the salsa however, transported me back to Cuba. Overall I highly recommend this show.
- Carmen Vilches, London, 25/05/2007 12:32
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