Oona Doherty's latest masterclass in raw emotion and unbridled energy has landed at Bold Tendencies in Peckham, London. The trailblazing choreographer's 'Leather Jacket' is a visceral, pulse-pounding experience that leaves you breathless – just like the dancers themselves as they push their bodies to the limit.
The performance explodes onto the concrete stage with a pounding thud, the eight-strong cast clad in the titular leather jackets. Under the harsh glare of fluorescent lights, Doherty's signature style is on full display: think Irish step dance meets breakneck physicality. The dancers' heavy footsteps create a driving rhythm that sets the tone for the next 45 minutes – and refuses to let up.
But as the show builds in intensity, the soundscapes shift and soar. Cormac Begley's haunting electronic score gives way to the raw, rural beauty of traditional Irish folk music. It's a clever move, mirroring the dancers' gradual stripping down (literally – they shed their leather jackets, revealing all) as they reach a frenzied crescendo.
There's something undeniably exhilarating about witnessing this ragtag troupe of dancers sweat, toil and triumph. The boundaries between performers and audience blur as the group's exhaustion and camaraderie become almost palpable. It's not just about the movement itself – though that's a given with Doherty at the helm – but about the lived experience of these talented individuals.
Apart from a few wry, humorous moments (who can forget the dancer donning shades and lighting up a virtual fag?), this is no-frills, unvarnished dance. The real magic lies in its unflinching portrayal of physicality: the pushing, straining, and sheer effort that goes into creating something truly remarkable.
It's hard not to draw comparisons with Doherty's earlier work – 'Specky Clark', anyone? – but 'Leather Jacket' is its own beast. This is high-octane contemporary dance at its most uncompromising, an unwavering expression of the choreographer's unflinching vision. And as it takes its final bow, you can't help but wonder what's next for this fearless creative force.