Eleanor Jean Riley has done it again. But this time, she’s completely on her own.

I went to the preview of “This is My Show”, and was thoroughly delighted.

Firstly, the set itself is intrinsic to the experience, as you must choose your seating space before you enter.. and before you know what the choice will mean for your viewing. Which seat gives you the “best” view? What will you miss out on? (Sorry i won’t spoil your choice by telling you where i sat.)

The show is made up of different characters and aspects. In one space, the dancer’s body conveys a disturbing and awkward sense of discomfort.. and then soon enough she is transformed into the most confident circus show-stopper you’ve ever seen, in a glamorous outfit with a cocktail shaker. I felt i could identify with either of these archetypes, as her body played out the sensation – the uncomfortable one much more easily.

As well as movement, Little is exploring movement through shadow, and also concealment. Sometimes you’ll see everything, while at other times.. you must twist and turn to get the best view.

This woman moves with such amazing skill and she has an enchanting power on the stage. I saw her thrill the audience in the Speakeasy event at Rainbow Serpent, playing a Caribbean Queen, and she has brought that same charm and talent to bear in this much smaller venue.

The preview is like a pre-show draft, so some of the ideas are ready to be worked through a little more, however it was stimulating and engaging nevertheless.

Gray Taylor created some great musical atmospheres with her percussion and electro-gadgets, with someone else on various instruments (who was that?).

Only a few shows left in the season, get onto it now.

“This is My Show” at Tinning St, Brunswick.
Via the Tinning St Blog
or via the facebook event pages