As it stands the score is far too dense and thematically all over the place, the plot far too complex and several characters seemingly irrelevant. Once I got home after the show, I digested the shows two and a half pages of plot in the programme, and I found it all thoroughly convoluted. As a first public outing, it’s not bad, but there’s a long way to go until this show is ready for any further public outing
Proud’s choreography is redolent with an acute understanding of all this and everything he does aims to help involvement in and understanding of the work’s intent. The hotel is seen as reflective of the Berlin experience and that is reflective of world experience: the microcosm in the hotel provides universal truths and observations. From the almost military opening routine, through the set pieces and the smaller incidents, the big, joyous all-in numbers, and the more intimate moments of pain or joy, Proud sees to it that dance propels the action, accentuates the fun and underscores the darkness.
