Center Stage January 23, 2007
Amsterdam-based performance troupe showcases the art of cool.
by Julia Steinberger
This explosively energetic performance showcases art at its coolest and coolness at its most artistic. Acclaimed Amsterdam-based performance troupe ISH showcases the talents of European and world-champion breakdancers, skaters and acrobats, fueled by beats from both a club DJ and a vocal beat-boxer. The multimedia sketch and stunt show features breathtaking visual treats like an onstage half-pipe where skaters soar and flip; a martial arts performer; Stomp-like dance-and-rhythm tricks and video presentations. Mixing elements of clowning with knockout physical ability, the uber-talented cast creates an exciting, funny and family-friendly performance that will leave both kids and adults inspired to get up, get active and test their limits. Underscoring this all-important message are some subtler, just-as-cool themes: Urban culture is theater-worthy; friends are more important than romance, and girls are just as strong as boys.
Under the leadership of charismatic director/performer Marco Gerris, the group members augments their thrilling stage feats with community work, training at-risk youth at their Netherlands home base to create their own performance art. As part of the Chicago Children's Theatre program, the members of ISH will be mentoring and working with Chicago youth during their stay. Judging from the number of kids rushing outside the theatre as soon as the curtain closed just to try out their own breakdancing skills, the inspiration tack is working.
Playing at the Harris Theater for Music and Dance in Millennium Park; 205 E. Randolph St.; (312) 334-7777 or reserve tickets online at wwwchicagochildrenstheatre.org; $15-$25. Runs through 28; 3:30 p.m. Thursday; 7:30 p.m. Wednesday Friday; 2 and 6 p.m. Saturday; 1 and 3:30 p.m. Sunday.