Spoken Movement Family Honour

A short dance film directed by Daniel Gurton and starring Kwame Asafo-Adjei and Catrina Nisbett.

Two people. A lot of dancing. A lot of drama. This 9-minute-long film takes place in a large room and it begins with two individuals sitting on a chair at opposite sides of the table, facing each other. They are British Ghanaians, a man (Asafo-Adjei) and his daughter (Nisbett). Both are unnamed. There is silence and stillness and then, suddenly, the two of them proceed to perform swift hand movements that appear to be directed towards each other. From there, these movements and a variety of others continue both on and of the table, creating tension and telling a story.

What stands out the most is the dancing, which consists of the rapid and violent movements that seem to serve as a form of communication in this short. Asafo-Adjei is also the choreogapher and his work is rather interesting as it results in a show made out of well-executed and precise movements that himself and Nisbett perform impressively. The dancing involves the two performers executing the movements simultaneously, giving the impression that they are having an argument.

Dancing does dominate the vast majority of this film, however, there are various sections where it abrutly ends and the two characters either remain still, or they speak few words. The speech parts could more accurately be described as short monologues and they seem to be about parental disapproval, reminiscing the past and religion. Speech ia actually present throughout, with the protagonists uttering sharp sounds (almost shouting) as they dance, adding significance to their actions.

Gurton's methodical directing is another plus, with the camera moving with the characters, capturing their movements and creating quite a spectacle. And Henry Gill's moody cinematography further enhances the viewing experience, developing an atmosphere that feels downbeat.

Asafo-Adjei and Nisbett are superb. Their performances are a show with impressively choreographed movements and dramatic face expressions.

The story that is told is a father-and-daughter story and it is evidently not a happy one. It seems to be about an abusive father and the suffering he has caused to his child. As the story progresses, it also acknowledges self-reflection, self-esteem, self-expression and religion.

Viewers will most likely be impressed by the well-executed choreography and be moved by the themes. A surreal, energetic and dramatic experience.