Review: Give a Woman a Lift

The world premier presentation of Flyaway Production’s “Give a Woman a Lift” earlier this month was bravely fantastic, like so much of Jo Kreiter’s work. For this piece she partnered with designer Sean Riley to create a spirited arena in which grown up girls played on a large jungle gym. The whole thing was delightful. And these women are strong; there’s no telling the dancers in their 4os from the ones in their 20s. They were climbing walls like Spiderwoman, and swinging on and off beams with a single bound, like Wonder Woman. Coupled with the agile athleticism, the performers demonstrated an reciprocally flat affect. This added a tone of seriousness, perhaps even sadness to the field. The original music by Jewlia Eisenberg and Laura Inserra was equally uplifting and at times offering contrast to the feeling of the movement. Finally, Patricia Jiron came out with her clear and robust voice singing a simultaneously whimsical and soulful song that lent a poignant air to the whole theater. It was as if the song meant, “Oh if only we could all always play so freely, us girls.” Once again, hats off to Jo and her gang of powerful dancers.