Why to Go and See Stomp the Music
Thursday, August 19th, 2010The term stomp initially began with two buskers entertaining the streets of Brighton, UK with audio, their catchy performance hooking in bystaders to stop, observe, and listen. Created by Steven McNichols and Luke Cresswell in Brighton, UK, the music STOMP debuted within the Orpheum Theatre in February 1994. The musical STOMP can also track a few of its roots to Booth Theatres erected at the Village Fairs within the Middle Ages and Renaissance time period- an old custom in that period. As opposed to any other musical, STOMP challenges the idea of what constitutes audio. Eight nightly performers play basic and complex rhythms from every day objects, for example six foot poles, sand, brooms, lids, litres of water, and aluminum bins. Via dance and music, the group collaborates with each other to play audio, too as offering person self-expression. STOMP is really a sensual blend of comedy, percussion, and dynamic movements. The music STOMP is the unique construction of Steven McNichols and Luke Cresswell that captalizes on a ‘less is more’ philosophy. It is a passionate production, not effortlessly classified into a specific musical or theatrical style. Via the absence of melodies, the audience listens to music getting broken down into basics as eight chiseled and energetic performers pound out rhythms with regular things: poles, drumsticks, match boxes, water, brooms, bins, and lids. Ironically, the ordinary quality of these things catapults STOMP to an artistic level unrivalled by other modern theatrical acts. The ease in which the cast manipulates their ‘instruments’ and body stretches the imagination into an exciting reality. It’s set design is flashy and vibrant at times; an elaborate metal construction highlights instruments which are struck by performers harnessed from the ceiling. This restriction frees the cast to use their feet, legs, and arms to create loud group rhythms which shake the rafters and audience with it’s intense, tribal rhythms. These in-your-face cadences are a strong avenue for person and collective expression, leaving numerous on the edge of their seats. STOMP’s absence of fancy performer clothes keeps the emphasis on what truly counts: dance moves and music rhythms, which turn out to be much more complicated with each subsequent scene. Subtlety is also used to balance out these raw rhythms.One scene is structured around performers tapping six foot poles, as they stealthily circuit the stage, almost preying on one another with their moves and rhythms. Their sense of connection is palpable and sensual, cast eye contact igniting the expectation, as you almost discover yourself asking yourself who is going to ‘win’ at this musical game. Yet, everyone wins, the audience even invited into the overall performance via a cast member who initiates a clap-and-response session. Roughly two hours in duration, STOMP keeps one’s attention, making you wonder how items usually reserved for math difficulties, cleaning, and construction projects can entertain and create a powerful musical group dynamic. In this age of modern technology, STOMP is a refreshing blend of primal instincts meeting musical genious, reminding us of the music and rhythmic potential right under our noses. Find much more information about the music and buyStomp Tickets online