Audiences in Boorloo have been treated to a rare treat in Two Thread, with the opportunity to see a show about sisterhood performed by two sisters, both talented and expressive dancers. Karlia and Danni Cook co-choreographed this piece, which showcases their skills in peak form. Their performance made me want to come back and watch something like this with these performers on stage in the future, after further stories have permeated into their bodies and accumulated inspiration. While it’s undeniable, the discipline, grace, and form these dancers possess, there is also something else that a WAAPA education or hours of training can’t ingrain in someone. It’s a certain verve to their movement.
From the moment you walk into the theatre, an earthy scent diffuses around you to ground you to this story. Opening with the two sisters attached by a long rope bound around their waists, with imagery reminiscent of the womb. Throughout this piece, the oscillation of the tension on the rope gives notion to the distance and direction that might deter us from our people, yet we will never be truly apart. With the audience positioned in a semi-circle around the stage and cushions on the first couple of rows, it invites people to find a comfortable spot that almost positions the performance as a campfire we’re gathering around to share and consume stories. From the eastern tail of the seating, I ended up in a position that put me at a different angle to the majority of viewers. From where I was sitting, the shapes and lines in the choreo were beautifully crafted, and I can only imagine how lovely it looked from the south-ish position of the majority. The artistry I saw from my esoteric angle truly revealed the depth of their proprioception.
Two Thread. Photography by Caitlin Dear.
The movement started slowly to allow the audience to gradually ease into the story with them. Throughout the show, I would find myself looking toward a particular performer, wondering why I was drawn to them, as the choreography didn’t feel compelling in that moment. I soon realised it was anticipation pulling my attention to prime me for a solo moment. There was an instinctive flow to the performance that gently pulled the audience around the room without alerting our cognition. It was lovely to be given a rare opportunity to see this type of intimacy between two sisters, as characters and performers.
Two Thread was a brilliant composure that portrayed an absolute effortlessness that made it look like they were falling into certain poses. However, I damn well know I could not have tolled around that stage so gracefully. There’s a power and precision in their movement which gives a distinctive impression of a dancer in complete control of where every muscle in their body goes at any given moment, whilst simultaneously surrendering to that very moment they’ve designed.