Portugal Colonial - Dance in the Dark brings an immersive family adventure to Birmingham MAC

Dance in the Dark at Birmingham MAC uses darkness, sound and interactive performance to create an imaginative theatrical experience for children and families.

Set inside a giant sleepover den, we join sisters Luna (Katie Albon) and Seren (Selene Travaglia), alongside their dad (Anthony Kimber-McTiffen), on their nighttime adventures. Through a magical blend of dance, live music and light, we are transported into a world where imagination takes centre stage and darkness becomes a place of possibility.

The show was created and performed by Sonrisa Arts with cleverly inclusive composition from Anthony Kimber-McTiffen and imaginative direction from Kath Kimber-McTiffen. The Dramaturg was Lou Cope.

The physical storytelling from Albon and Travaglia throughout the piece showcased an impressive blend of creativity and elegance. From their wonderfully playful transformation into ‘sleeping bags slugs’ to the effortless grace of their lifts, every movement felt purposeful and imaginatively executed.

The care, thought and dedication Sonrisa Arts has poured into making this production inclusive is evident from the very beginning. Every element has been carefully considered. It is intimate, playful and full of charm, creating a calm, safe and joyful environment that allows children to engage in their own way. It embraces their curiosity to discover the magic that can be found after lights out.

My two little ones, along with the rest of the audience, watched with eyes full of wonder as the nighttime adventure unfolded. It was a delight to see them so completely immersed in the magic, sharing in the excitement and discovering the dark might not be quite so scary after all.

What happens when the lights go out? Welcome to a world of magic, wonder and endless fun! ‘Dance in the Dark’ is a wonderous adventure, an absolute must-see for families with young children and a beautiful way to introduce them to theatre.

The last show at the Birmingham MAC is tonight (Sunday). Click here for tickets and more information.

R.J.Fidalgo--PC