FRINGE '04 REVIEW: Black Valentine Party

Fringe NZ 04: Revelation kicked off in true fringe style in front of a full-house at Shed 11.

Established and emerging Wellington designers took centre stage, exploring Black Valentine with a brilliantly choreographed look at the fringy future of Wellington fashion.

Quiddity04 creators Walter Street Precinct blended the shows elements seamlessly, matching the music and performance perfectly with the designers’ interpretations of the Black Valentine theme.

If sex sells, Fringe 2004 is sold. These were fashions for the young, dumb and full of cum.

Drag Queens adorned in Oriental inspired costumes from Pollyfilla, aka Colin McLean, set the scene for the decadence and debauchery to follow.

Dark Black were dark black, and so was the music. On the overhead video screen was a shower scene. Would she die? You bet, especially on Friday 13. Death – the colour that goes with everything.

Rounding out the show came Trashè, blending Charlie Chaplin with Queen in a burlesque yet brilliant performance. Like all the designs that came before, the creations were as impressive as the choreography. Wellington needs more trashè and Quiddity dished up style worthy of the Capital.

The performance was not restricted to the stage with many dressed to impress. The freaks always come out at night but tonight they came out early.

It was a hard act to follow and sadly for VJ (Video jockey) quartet 4Play they followed too far behind – about half of the full house had wandered off before they began. The soundman also went missing, delaying the performance further.

When things did kick off, those that were left witnessed a stunning and unique performance on four fronts in a celebration of the visual artistry behind electronica.

In a refreshing reversal of traditional roles, the quartet simultaneously made sense of ‘liberty and revelation’ through visual landscapes while Rhian Sheehan and hummel laid down the musical backdrop, supported by the haunting song of Jess Chambers.

Generally consigned to supporting roles for electronic music, the presence of four large screens meant the night belonged to the VJs. Rhian Sheehan provided the perfect electronic foil as the VJs improvised images on the screens.

4Play provided a glimpse of the future of the visual medium with this performance. The crowd was mesmerised and rooted to the spot; that hardly anyone danced was certainly no failure of the music.

For those that missed 4Play at Black Valentine, the chance at redemption comes Friday 14 at 8pm. 4Play deserve a packed house - if you like electronic music and the visual arts this show is not to be skipped.

ENDS

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