‘Technically beautiful with a solid heart.’

Donuts is a contemporary dance piece choreographed by Jamaal Burkmar showing at Assembly Rooms. 

The piece follows the tender relationship of three friends – exploring the highs and lows. 

The set is sparce with only a cream couch, two lamps and some accessories to create the atmosphere. Audience enters with a TV sitcom soundscape playing and our three protagonists sat chatting/interacting on the sofa.

Our dances for this production from The Space were Maya Carroll, Iolanda Portogallo, Dorna Ashory. Their technique and execution throughout was flawless and precise. Most impressively moving across Levels and communicating. 

For me the production lacked a driving purpose, the ‘story’ unclear for a novice audience with some even leaving early into the performance. The rapport between the dancers actually led to a lack of purpose other than dance which felt at conflict with its intentions. Moments that contrasted were the fight where suddenly the narrative pierced through and struck home. 

Music from Jameszoo punctuated all the choreo and added to tension with piercing shrieks sometimes the instrument of choice.

Overall the choreography is stunning and the performers flawless but the story and experience could use more weight.