one4review | On 08, Aug 2023

Angel Monster, the name itself portends a duality of angelic grace and monstrous power. As we enter we’re greeted with “It’s that time of the month already, isn’t it?” at the door, the audience is thrust into an immersive experience filled with high energy, frantic modern dance, and visceral visuals.

 

The all-female cast is an embodiment of strength and fluidity and they weave through complex, if somewhat confusing choreography. Their long, wild hair and white undergarments further accentuate the choreographed movements, providing a raw intensity to the performance. The unexpected juxtaposition of frenzied energy to poignant stillness is jarring, forcing the audience to confront the rawness of female pain and ecstasy.

 

The use of audience interaction brings a touch of chaotic spontaneity. The performers break the fourth wall, and for moments, the room blurs the line between the audience and the staged act. However, the potential for deeper immersion often falters, hindered by visibility challenges from the second and third rows. The performance sometimes leaves attendees struggling to keep pace with its ever-shifting narrative. While the sporadic engagement with audience members is innovative, its intent often remains obscure, making one wonder about the cohesion of the overall narrative.

 

Angel Monster touches upon deep-seated themes of womanhood, pain, and the blurry line between consensual and non-consensual encounters. Its haunting monologues serve as sombre reminders of the harrowing experiences women endure, as evident in the retelling of a young person’s sexual experience. But sometimes, the gravity of these moments is slightly offset by some sequences dragging on, while others rush by, leaving their potential impact unfulfilled.

 

Provocative, raw, and at times, overwhelming, Angel Monster doesn’t merely dance around the topics of respect, ownership, and equality, it crash-tackles them head-on. With its fearless dive into the world of womanhood, this production stands as a testament to the pain and resilience of sisters, mothers, angels, and monsters.

 

While Angel Monster is a courageous endeavour packed with poignant moments, it sometimes struggles with pacing and audience engagement, making it a commendable yet occasionally muddled journey into the depths of the female experience.

***

Reviewed by Matthew

Assembly Checkpoint

18.10 (1hr)

Until 27 Aug (not 14, 16 or 21)