Not unlike in Ireland, there is a strong theatrical thread in much of the contemporary dance. Réka Szabó’s latest work, Alibi, incorporates a very ironic and existential text as the characters play versions of themselves. Márta Ladjánszki stands out among the more abstract choreographers. Her solo, Silence is okay! combines fragments of earlier works, all of which demonstrate her singular strength and power. Unfortunately, the works shown by a few of the male choreographers objectified women to a degree that made many of us uncomfortable. Not in that category, Ferenc Feher, a new voice in Budapest, created a solo, Book of Man that skillfully drew upon a street dance vocabulary. Calling themselves, Co.ffein (caffeine) Projects, a group of recent graduates from the Hungarian Dance Academy (a conservatory that now incorporates contemporary dance in its program), took to the street in Dance Mob, an improvisation on the tracks, the platform, and in the trains at a busy tram stop. These kids have great technique (one has already been hired by Cirque du Soleil) and it was a great energy boost to see them in such a public space and witness their dedication to reaching a new audience.

The sheer density of performances seen in these situations often leaves one reeling but the very best (and very worst as well) tend to stand out and remain in the memory. One of the greatest benefits of these gatherings is the chance to meet and/or re-connect with peers from around the world and discuss the works you’re seeing, as well as the issues facing the field. And, there was a homey Festival club in Budapest, AKKU, that accommodated us till late every night. Nonetheless, each morning we gathered for Q&A sessions with the artists (for which both Laughlin and I were recruited as moderators). Some of these sessions seemed mis-used, however, as a format for criticizing rather than dialoguing about the work. When Liz Lerman came to Dublin just a few weeks later, I was struck by how useful her presence might have been in Budapest!

30/01/2009