No work of art has ever compared to the magnificence of Twice-Born
Twice-Born is a masterpiece. From the mind of Dickson Mbi, this epic tale tells of another world where matriarchs are made through sacrifice. Set to Mbi’s original scores and performed by the dancers of the Scottish Ballet, it is a powerful tale that consumes the heart and mind.
When the curtain goes up, the audience is immediately thrown into the world of Twice-Born. A towering wall of rock looms large while a single dancer, faintly lit, lays at its base. This, and many of the striking visuals in this show are thanks to set designer Ruby Law, lighting designers Jessica Hung and Han Yun, and costume designer Debbie Duru. Laws’ set is indistinguishable from genuine stone, adding an impressive degree of realism. The lighting is so perfectly matched to the story that you often forget it’s there yet the show would be drastically different without it. At their base, the costumes were simple, their dusty crimson shade and draping silhouette added to the tribal atmosphere. As the show progressed, smaller design elements were added that altered the whole vibe; I don’t wish to spoil anything, but i must applaud the villainous masks for their striking beauty.
Dickson Mbi is a once in a generation talent. Not only did he conceptualize and direct Twice-Born, he also choreographed it and composed the scores. The story doesn’t feel like scenes strung together, but rather like a journey of the soul. Using tribal elements, his compositions are intense and powerful; they are the perfect soundtrack. His choreography clearly reflects his contemporary and popping background. The force and intricacy of the choreography is very visually impactful. He has crafted movement that embodies his story. His depiction of grief is the finest I have ever seen; haunting and tragic, I lack the words to explain its power but it will never leave my mind.
Scottish Ballet never disappoints with their incredible dancers, but Twice-Born may be the finest work they’ve ever produced. For what is a ballet company, there was an astounding amount of grit in their performance. They moved as one, giving the sense of a teeming tribal mass that was both frightening and thrilling. For a ballet company, they were amazingly un-pretty in the best of ways. Soloists Marge Hendrick and Rishan Benjamin were enthralling; they are the strongest of women and of dancers. Included in that appreciation must be the soloist who-led the sacrifice sequence, though I have been unable to find her name. While technically excellent, it was the depth of emotion with which they performed that makes them unforgettable.
To watch Twice-Born is to take your heart into your hands. You will experience emotion as you never have before; you will cry, you will sit on the edge of your seat, and you’ll even have to remind yourself to blink. It is a transcendent experience that stays with you long after it has ended. Dickson Mbi and the Scottish Ballet have gifted this world with Twice-Born.
It is not a show, it is a religious experience.