Mayfest 2022 Review: HABITAT, The Galleries – ‘A bold and brilliant production that pushes boundaries to the limits’

The UK premiere of HABITAT by the acclaimed Austrian choreographer Doris Uhlich got off to rollicking start at the commercial quarter of Bristol: The Galleries. It was no coincidence that this production – featuring a cast of 30 naked volunteer performers – should be held in a shopping complex after the trading hours.

It is a piece that challenges the cult of consumerism, as well as the notion of an ideal body type that has become so ingrained in the digital age. Ultimately, it sheds light on what it means to be in your skin.

Conceived and choreographed by the award winning choreographer, Doris Uhlich as a part of the 2022 Mayfest programme, HABITAT is a raw, visceral and audacious attempt to address fallacy surrounding the ‘perfect’ body image and to celebrate humanity in its diversity of forms.

Before the show, the performers are seen dotted around the performance space in various poses. And then, it begins, kicking off with a sustained synth pop chord which gradually gains momentum and finally reaches fever pitch, creating an orchestrated chaos and movement.

Some are seen communing with the earth in a quasi religious fashion. Others shimmy and sway with a grimace as if under a Dionysian ecstasy. Some are feeling and vigorously flapping the skin of one another, resembling a ritual. Techno music fills the space, creating a blank canvas for the performers to interpret in their own unique way.

The high vaulted shopping complex stands proudly as a cathedral to consumerism. The clothes we wear are often an indicator of the social strata which we belong to. People are judged on their dress sense. The fashion police is ready to pass their own verdict. But it is almost impossible to determine the social backgrounds of the cast members as they present themselves devoid of artifice.

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The cast members represent a diverse mix of ages and body types. Some members of the ensemble are in wheelchairs with physical limitations including a double amputation. This cornucopia of various shapes, sizes and ability levels is a celebration of humanity irrespective of arbitrarily defined social constructs.

The 90 minute production attempts to drive home the vital message that when you are comfortable in your skin, irrespective of the ‘flaws’ perceived by the society, you let your innermost thoughts and strengths define yourself. Being secure means an undimmed self-acceptance where both desirable and undesirable aspect of your physical frame are treated with equanimity.

Can the naked body be viewed as a masterpiece in its own right without a whiff of fetishisation and sexualisation? It is said that ‘…your bodies are temples’. But under the capitalist construct, the exposed human flesh is utilised as a commodity: a female thigh may be used to maximise the sales of a famous tyre brand and a naked male torso to heighten the sizzling refreshment of a cola brand.

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Uhlich’s choice of The Galleries as a venue has a strong subliminal message which the sterling ensemble convey with aplomb. In one sequence the cast is seen gathering at the top floor and channelling unmistakable defiance with dazed eyes looking into the distance; an ultimate coup de grace against the cult of consumerism where humanity is reduced to quantifiable units.

HABITAT is a graceful and beguiling performance from this volunteer cast, responding to Uhlich’s artistic vision. It is a tour de force from beginning to end, and the audience plays an integral part, too.

Sometimes a performer comes near a group of audience members and break into a shimmy or squat, challenging the audience to go beyond the dichotomy of either staring, or being stared at.

Uhlich leaves us no room for shame or provocation but instead invites us to embrace life in its kaleidoscopic beauty and diversity. Wrinkles and love handles aren’t our enemies anymore, but a gentle reminder to embrace life in its entirety.

HABITAT is at The Galleries from May 28-29 at 8.30pm. Tickets are available at www.mayk.org.uk. The show is running as part of Mayfest. For more information about the festival programme and ticket links to all shows, visit www.mayk.org.uk/mayfest-programme.

Main photo: Theresa Rauter

Read more: Mayfest 2022 Review: Birthmarked, Bristol Old Vic – ‘Beautifully human’

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