Let the water flow, and find peace in the shared soundscape.

If dance is all about movement – is it possible to find it even within stillness? That is the central question at the heart of Still In Motion, a collaborative, immersive performance by Andy Lee from Unlock Dancing Plaza (Hong Kong) alongside Matthew Goh from RAW Moves (Singapore). Central to the performance is the concept of water, and as we enter the Aliwal Arts Centre Multipurpose Hall, we begin to see a few reservoir-like water features, while the sound artist begins her work. Taking a cup of water from the main pool and putting it into the other’ reservoirs, we hear the sound of the flowing water.

Joined by Matthew, we hear every movement of the water, every splash and ricochet in the silence of the room. It feels as if both Andy and Matthew are in conversation via the water, creating a soundscape of whispers and murmurs. Eventually, the audience too is invited to be a part of this experience, as if we too are attempting to interpret what it all adds up to.

But dialogue only lasts for so long, and before long, Andy and Matthew begin to put their bodies into the work as well, stepping into a cube of water and immersing themselves, almost cocooning themselves into it. Confined in this pit, we hear a soundtrack that almost makes them seem like they are foreign creatures on an alien planet. Moving their bodies to the music, enticed by the soundscape, they move to a bigger body of water, taking steps in the water. Exploratory, they begin to try different physicalities, jumping or stomping, each evoking different sounds from the water.

These eventually evolve into more structured, refined styles; Matthew with well formed pirouettes and Andy showing off his sheer strength, their facial expressions playing a big part in conveying meaning to us. Both the sound of watery footsteps and the visual of the effort exerted on both their parts, their smiles on their face even while displaying so much control. They attempt to make eye contact with the audience, inviting us to return the gaze and respond.

The soundscape fades, and now without music, they continue their reps, the smiles disappearing to show only a look of contentment with what they’ve done. Turning to look at each other, they drink water from the pits, filling their glasses and looking around. There seems to be joy in their eyes, and as they approach the audience again, we are asked to each step up, take the glass from them, whisper a wish into the cup, and let it go in the reservoir of water. While uncertain at first, the space grows warmer the more they beckon, and it is impressive how they manage all this interaction.

The sound artist begins to speak, the mic on her throat, as she reads the wishes that people have left behind, rumbling due to the vocal vibrations, almost apprehensive, while we listen to the therapeutic sounds of the water, like a release. You feel unburdened somehow, and as the water continues to pour, the dancers hoist each other up, showcasing so much trust in each other, as they share their own wishes too. It feels that the higher they go, the more likely the wish is to come true.

As they strip off and become more vulnerable, they splash water on themselves, and begin to leave the space, leaving just their clothes behind. A peaceful goodbye, we are left with just the sound artist, filling her cup and pouring water for one last time into the pits. The water continues to pitter patter down, and we are left to consider how we find a moment of stillness amidst all the noise of everyday life. We feel connected, we feel tranquil, and ultimately, healed and uplifted by this experience.

Still In Motion played from 26th to 28th September 2024 at Aliwal Arts Centre.