Imagine the chaotic aftermath of a disastrous corporate gathering: a massive boardroom table dominates the stage, surrounded by scenes of excess—a naked figure sprawled on the floor, another with trousers lowered, and someone relieving themselves into a whiskey glass. This surreal setup evokes a raw, unpolished take on high-stakes finance dramas, filled with tense power plays in a stark, echoing space. A cleaner enters to wipe away the mess, then delivers a haunting rendition of Ave Maria.
Unpredictable Dance Theater World
Bullyache, the innovative duo of Courtney Deyn and Jacob Samuel, alongside five skilled dancers, crafts this intensely dark dance theater experience. The set, designed by Tor Studio, features a shattered glass wall suggesting violent destruction. The production centers on the architects of the 2008 global financial meltdown—those who shattered economies.
Midway, the tone shifts dramatically into a game show format, questioning the fate of these reckless financiers. Drawing inspiration from the exclusive Bohemian Club in San Francisco, where elite men engage in secretive rituals like the ‘cremation of care’ to shed burdens—or evade accountability—the performance unfolds a ritualistic sequence reminiscent of The Rite of Spring. Set to Shostakovich’s Chamber Symphony in C minor, it blends classical leaps, Latin American hip swivels, energetic folk steps, and quasi-religious visuals.
Powerful Atmosphere and Musical Innovation
The show masterfully builds a grim, immersive mood through original compositions—pulsing soundscapes and raw songs exploring pain and isolation. Stories of these influential figures emerge, though the portrayal risks oversimplification by broadly condemning ‘big bankers.’ Deeper specifics on individuals, their backgrounds, and the crisis’s lasting impacts 18 years later could heighten the impact and sharpen its political edge.
Ambitious Vision with Room to Grow
Bullyache demonstrates bold ambition, pushing boundaries in dance theater to confront economic fallout and elite rituals. While the atmosphere grips audiences, the piece strives for even greater depth to fully realize its provocative potential.
