"2"

The man is back and (2) twice as strong. After a significant 2 years of absence in the field, Dimitris Papaioannou, avant-guarde artist, choreographer, dancer and creator of the opening and closing ceremonies of the Athens 2004 Olympic Games, is back with his latest creation “2”.
This past Monday, I had the opportunity to attend to the avant-premiere of “2” and get an exclusive first look at the much awaited show which took place in the recently renovated Palace Theatre “Παλλάς” in the center of Athens.
The venue was flooded by an eager audience which included a good amount of the “who is who” from the Greek showbiz. A total of 20 dancers, among which a good friend of mine, where still warming up on stage as we entered the theatre. A brief introduction followed, by the perfectionist creator himself who also asked us to disregard any flaws that may occur during the show as this was the preliminary presentation to the official opening night.
Lights dim and the show finally begins.
An impressive opening I must admit, in what was just the prelude of what lied ahead. 2 dancers on the palely lit blue stage, a minimal yet abstract set which was vigorously intensified by the dreamy sounds of Konstantinos Vita (master artist in electronic music, who has composed exclusively the original soundtrack of “2”).
A suitcase appears on stage on one of the 2, incorporated (and well hidden) luggage belts of the floor, followed by a series of events that remind us of an arrival terminal in some futuristic utopist airport.
Passengers come and go, all with carefully synchronized movements and some well choreographed stunts such as slow motion running on air as if watching a repeat of a winning athlete’s run in track and field. Stage themes change randomly and so does the music in a story without story, a plot without plot as the journey continues with more and more dancers, mostly in couples, appearing on stage.
Abstract situations such as a men’s bathroom, an executive office workplace, a hammam, a virtual army, a football TV night among guys, boy games, a satiric night at the Greek “bouzoukia” live shows, toy gun fights all of them reflecting several aspects of human life and the male element. There was love, anger, confusion, frustration, hope, sadness, passion, fear, happiness but above all unity.
“2” is a symbolic number of many interpretations. It may very well be the number that represents duality as it may just as well be the number that represents the “divided terrestrial being” as described by Pythagorean philosophy. Opposites yet united. 2 also symbolizes the “pair” in everything in nature, life and even our own existence. And while the male element imposed everywhere, this dance theatre managed to evoke a feminine side in almost everything. In Chinese philosophy however “2” is Yin, which represents the female element or entity. Nevertheless the only female presence throughout the show was the appearance of a gigantic Barbie-like doll and one dancer tap dancing in complete shadow while one foot was dressed in pantyhose and high heeled stilleto. A wise and well adapted concept which in my opinion was harmoniously portrayed on stage.
Inevitably, the sexual element prevailed in almost every single theme which was at times sensual, satiric, lustful and erotic. A few nude appearances may have contributed in some way but it was mostly the dancing and the motion that predominated this feeling.
Other highlights of the show included the elevation of the stage from the backside thus creating a huge slide where most of the dancers performed vertically their unique routine and some beautiful and serene video-projected displays of the sky in the background.
Having reached its zenith and most culminating climax, the show ended after a no less than “2” hour run. A rather long period of time considering that the 20 dancers were literally involved in restless performances throughout the act.
Having experienced some of Dimitri’s earlier works which I personally found astonishing, it would be unfair to start comparing with this latest. I did however acquire a blend of feelings strong enough to make me appreciate him even more as a diverse and innovative artist. A man depicting his inspiration by the means of his own creativeness.
Unaware of how the critics will embrace this, given the fact that he has to also carry the weight of delivering an unforgettable Olympic ceremony, I am certain that “2” will not pass unnoticeable!
Dimitris delivered once again.

PS: I am unable to publish any of my mobile photos as we were instructed that pictures were strictly forbidden.