Tango Passion at New Theatre, Hull - Friday 29th October 2010
By Melanie Fullard
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This show has played to standing ovations on world famous stages in places like Berlin, Paris, Moscow, Rome, Broadway. How the hell did they manage to land here - wrong turn?
Well, whatever happened, we are so glad they came. For one night only, Hull became a hotbed of lust in a small theatre, not far from British Home Stores.
A cast of 30 dancers and musicians performed the show, built around one of the most sensual dances, originating in Argentina -The Tango.
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It tells a story that spans two eras, starting in the rough Cafetins of 1940's Buenos Aires where greasy pimps meet lewd prostitutes. The second act moves forward a few decades where Tango has now become part of high society, the base intentions now acceptably disguised under silk and furs.
Act one sees a stage full of brothels with pimps and spivs and the most glamorous tarts you ever saw! They circle each other, a symbol of eroticism and violence. The orchestra and the Bandoneon (an accordion) set the scene and create the atmosphere.
This was not a cast of spring chickens; they were a very mixed crew. The lead male looked like an aging Errol Flynn but he oozed sensuality! His 'understudy' was a 6'2" dark and brooding, Jonny Depp meets Zorro type (sorry girls, get in the queue!)
Act two is set in high society and the costumes are even more lavish than before. It is interspersed with a beautiful glittering diva. It doesn't matter that her story is not sung in our native tongue, the emotion carried to us without words.
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The finale arrives. Two dancers appear in the spotlight. He takes her hand and propels her into the air and over his shoulder, like a silk scarf. She in turn responds with the vertical splits, her stiletto heel nestles neatly into the nape of his neck. They are two beautiful people moving together in a maelstrom of silk and lace.
They work in unison, acutely aware of each others bodies. They instinctively know what needs to be done. Touching tenderly, with a hunger that must be satiated - but only at the right moment.
Around and around they spin. He leads, she follows. The moment has come. They build to a climax, he leans hungrily over her and she falls limp and breathless into his arms. He cradles her gently, inches from the floor and kisses her passionately. He claims his prize.
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This is voyeurism at its best and not a wet patch to be found! There wasn't a single person in that audience that wouldn't have changed places with them at that moment. We all watched and secretly thought, 'hey, I would like to do that'. That's the result of a performer drilled to perfection - they make it look so easy!
The whole show was a veritable feast of the senses. If it was an aphrodisiac it would be fresh oysters seasoned with powdered rhino horn, washed down with a bottle of best Spanish Fly!
So, I've decided there's not enough glamour in my life and these two left feet are going to hot foot it down to the nearest Tango class. I posses a silk frock and a pair of diamante earrings, don't I?
Finding Zorro might prove tricky. But hey, a girl can dream, can't she?
Viva la vida.
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| Chill Out |
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