Conceived in 1983, Joe confirmed the stature of French-Canadian choreographer Jean-Pierre Perreault. Since his death in 2002, it continues to gather momentum around the world.
Most striking about the piece is the absence of soundtrack. Save for the occasional maverick breakaway, 32 everymen dance in raincoats and fedoras to the primal percussion of their own weighty bantering footfalls. Only soles rapping on the vast, empty floor reverberate through the theatre. As a result, concentration is sharpened, both on stage and in the auditorium. The tapping and shuffling is relentless and complete.
Fritz Lang's Metropolis, Magritte's men in bowler hats and the theatricality of Pina Bausch can be linked to this honest Joe, but it is the unique orchestration of bodies sending out signals, some obscure, some obvious, which sets it apart for a new generation.
As a couple almost imperceptibly walk free of the flock at the end of a thrilling 70 minutes, audience appreciation breaks the spell. There is only one night left to catch it on its seriously thunderous way.
· Ends tonight. Box office: 0870 606 3424.
