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The classical, hip-hop fusion of ‘Hopera’
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Body movement: Dancers perform a contemporer dance (JP/Wienda Parwitasari)
T
he performance of Italy’s E.sperimenti Dance Company of GDO would make one assume that Italians certainly have a way with conveying words through their body.
Held recently at the Jakarta Playhouse (GKJ), E.sperimenti presented Hopera, a dance routine directly inspired by the classically Italian theatre art of opera, particularly the vocal style of bel canto (beautiful singing), with a combination of hip-hop culture.
While the imagery conjured up by opera tends to be the female soprano belting out lyrics dramatically, E.sperimenti used the vocals to tell a story entirely through body language.
Movements are nimble, energetic, at times hypnotic as the seven dancers move to arias from Italian opera composers, such as Giuseppe Verdi, Ruggero Leoncavallo and Gioacchino Rossini.
Though the gestures speak of a modernity belying the poetic verses written centuries ago, the combination of hip-hop and opera seem just as natural.
Some parts of the 55-minute recital have clearly defined plots, further emphasizing the link to classical opera. Yet, the presentation never felt serious, striking a lighthearted tone that at times felt comical and ethereal.
One particular crowd favorite that drew giggles and titters from the audience was when a dancer, clad in dark trousers, decided that he wanted to be part of a larger group, who kept daintily moving away as if repulsed when he was not looking.
