Review: Double Murder shows interpretive dance is back – and more brilliant than ever

Hofesh Shechter’s exquisitely produced Double Murder takes you to new heights, poking and prodding deep within your emotions and leaving you emerging with feelings you won’t forget any time soon. 

This expertly delivered double bill first allows us to take a full-frontal peek into our society’s callousness for the violence around us, with Clowns.

Having this artistic yet venomous portrayal of the reality we sometimes choose to ignore really hits close to home, as we are forced to watch it as entertainment. 

The second part of the production, The Fix, is a warming remedy to the first half with its emotionally moving choreography and music. 

After the shocking and intrusive first half of the show, the second half gives a comforting hug as it welcomes you into your new headspace. 

Lee Curran’s lighting design for Clowns flawlessly mirrors the chaotic and perilous atmosphere with plenty of startling light changes, flashing lights, and colour changes, whilst Tom Visser’s lighting design for The Fix embraces the audience with its softer, apologetic tones. 

The appearance of the red curtains throughout Clowns almost gave the appearance of a ringleader presenting his subjects, which further adds to the bizarre and unsettling tone.

The rapidly contrasting double bill really represents the last two years, from the fearful uncertainty to the forceful period of calm slowly embracing us.

From ominous and downright scary choreography that sees the performers possessed with robotic movements, to immediately slack and rag-doll like flexibility, you bask in the emotion of the dancers throughout the night. 

Each dancer is an integral part of the framework to this masterpiece as they effortlessly offer a piece of themselves during the performance.

Hofesh Shechter’s choreography and music production is unmatched, as sounds, feelings, and vibrations travel unapologetically from the stage, all the way through your body. 

For anyone craving a change of scenery to their usual night out, Hofesh Shechter’s Double Murder is sure to grip you – and you’ll leave with a fresh perspective on the society around you.

Double Murder is at Home Manchester until Saturday 25th June. Tickets are available here.