BEYOND BABEL

"Beyond Babel" Review -- Inspired by Romeo and Juliet and told through contemporary street dance and an innovative theatrical style, the show depicts star-crossed lovers struggling to reconcile rising tensions in their border community.

BEYOND BABEL

Reviewed by Cynthia Allen

11/11/21

Beyond Babel takes its title from the renowned British folk-rock group, Mumford & Sons' signature song, "Babel." This unique dance-musical uses the band's song lyrics and applies them to how borders in this day and age have come to represent places where injustice and intolerance ensue. The tragic romance between the two main characters also gives a nod to Romeo and Juliet and West Side Story where star-crossed lovers from rival "gangs" or "families" try to resolve strained relationships between disparate cultures.

Beyond Babel is choreographed by company artistic directors Keone and Mari Madrid -- with mainstays Josh and Lyndsay Aviner from Hideaway Circus integral as the show's creative directors.

Using the language of Urban Dance in a stylistically rich choreography, precisely timed to a variety of contemporary songs, Mari and Keone Madrid turn their gaze on what is happening in US society currently, where walls are built to separate families, communities, and, in this musical, those in love. Their storytelling through music, lighting design, and choreography is captivating and unique.

Mari (the "Juliet" or "Maria" character) and Keone Madrid (the "Romeo" or "Tony" character) first encounter each other in a music club, where it is love at first sight. Time freezes, the crowd disappears, and they only see each other. Their Shakespearean tragedy becomes a moving story about love and empathy. Mari and Keone dance and act to the lyrics of over two dozen artists’ songs -- Billie Eilish, Chance the Rapper, Years & Years, Jacob Banks, and Mumford & Sons, to name a few. Each song and dance routine advance the narrative. There is little dialogue. The Cinematic Orchestra's song, "To Build A Home," as well as Mumford & Sons’ song, "Babel” serve as underlying leitmotifs -- reoccurring melodies in which the lyrics emphasize place, home, and community. Each element gradually disappears when government authorities decide to erect a wall between them.

The other dancers -- with perfectly synchronized steps and precise hand gestures -- are each highlighted and given their moment to shine. They include Olivia Battista, Melissa De Jesus, Noelle Franco, Selene Haro, Shannon Kelly, Samuel Moore, Dylan Mayoral, Julian Sena, and the extraordinary Mikey Ruiz. All the dancers are at the top of their craft; they are mesmerizing. Their dance patterns and steps are extremely exact and complement the music and lyrics. The innovative choreography shows new approaches to nailing the beat, alluringly, while effortlessly showcasing the dancers’ stunning moves. 

Brandon Aril’s set utilizes a chain-link fence to become a wall that isolates and separates family, friends, and the two lovers. In a captivating section, Keone and Mari struggle with the government “enforcer” (the primary prison guard) -- a menacing man in a metallic-looking mask -- as the chain-linked wall takes shape. Scenic Designer and Textile Artist London Kaye frames the stage with a crochet curtain. In addition, she textures the dividing fence with her signature crochet motifs. Kaye weaves crochet backdrops, art installations, and yarn-based props in eye-catching tapestries. 

Lightning designers Jeff Croiter and Sean Beach create different pulsating colors that reflect the emotions of the songs’ lyrics. Their sensitivity and timing are extraordinary. For example, reds often occur during the prison scenes. They use red light flashes to signal danger or fear. Then they use white lighting schemes to allude to moments of revelation (or making an important decision) as when the Romeo-Tony lead character is debating between murdering an antagonist or killing himself.

Costume Designer Carlos Pistol provides workman-like apparel which allows for flexibility and innovative dance moves. However, a father’s jacket is used in a deeply moving way when the Juliet-Maria character is yearning for her lover. She makes the jacket a character and creates a lovely pas de deux. In addition, Pistol creates red and blue armbands for the “enforcer” to attach to gang members. They are color schemes that lend well to the Jeff Croiter-Sean Beach lighting.

In Beyond Babel, the music, choreography, and dance serve to make an exquisite, new rendition of the Romeo and Juliet-like story, relevant to 2021 and beyond.

Running Time: 2 hours

Location:

The Gym at Judson
243 Thompson St.
New York, NY 10012

Opened September 30, 2021

Final Performance: November 21, 2021