When one thinks of contemporary dance, one usually imagines young bodies moving in ways that appear to defy the laws of physics and human biology. Christine Thynne and Robbie Synge know this, which is why These Mechanisms is such a fascinatingly unique show, celebrating both the possibilities and the limitations of the human body as it ages.
Christine takes centre stage, making use of a looping machine to create some of the music she dances to, and hoisting various pieces of construction equipment around the space. She is an engaging performer, gently poking fun at her limitations from the moment the show begins, reciting every step she must take, every muscle that must work, in order for her to move from lying down to sitting up at eighty years old. She remarks, “My legs will get in the way – perhaps tonight I’ll leave them behind!” This line, delivered with humour, sets the tone for a performance that is both playful and poignant.
Nonetheless, she proves to be a lively dancer with a great sense of humour. There are some genuinely funny moments of physical theatre, and her interactions with Calum Paterson, her onstage sound technician and stage assistant, allow for a great deal of warmth to permeate the performance. One particularly impressive moment is when she uses tanks of water to counter her weight as she dances on one end of a seesaw, suspended in the air.
Christine describes the muscles in her body – and indeed every human’s – as one machine upon which she relies. Her soundboard and loop pedals are another, accompanied by mechanical backing tracks. In addition, throughout the show Christine uses construction equipment and large plastic tanks of water to form siphons – another mechanism, this one making use of gravity. This culminates in the final act, which builds a sense of anticipation in the room as a siphon fills a tank with water on one end of the seesaw, slowly lifting Christine into the air.
Robbie Synge claims that this show “isn’t about – or attempting to say – anything,” and while it is true that there is no real narrative or direct message, These Mechanisms certainly has an atmosphere of joyous celebration. It speaks to the value of the human body, which is always worthy of love and appreciation as long as we are able to think, move, smile and breathe.
