A Life in Four Seasons at Regent's Park Open Air Theatre brings together performers representing the four stages of life, from youth to old age, in a dance set to a reimagined version of Vivaldi's Four Seasons. The concept is clever, and it is remarkable to see older dancers bring their wealth of experience to the stage. However, the diverse cast, each with their own specialty styles, results in choreography that lands in a middle ground—accessible to all but not showcasing individual strengths. The movement adopts a mild street dance influence, locked into a basic 4/4 rhythm. It is only in moments like Michael Naylor's energetic rave-up in a club scene that the audience glimpses what could have been.
Choreography and Direction
American choreographer Alexzandra Sarmiento, known for her work in musicals and as a movement director, collaborates with director Tinuke Craig. The performance features three dancers per season, dressed in blue, pink, and orange, symbolizing the head, heart, and gut of a person. However, this symbolism is not immediately clear. The set includes boxes labeled "HEAD," "HEART," and "GUT," but the connection to the dancing is not obvious.
Musical Adaptation
The soundtrack is a remix of Vivaldi by DJ Walde, famous for his funky hip-hop scores for ZooNation Dance Company. In 2012, composer Max Richter created a celebrated rewrite of the Four Seasons, setting a high bar. Walde's version adds thumping beats alongside the strings. In key moments, like the club scene, the Vivaldi sample gives way to beats, and the dancers seem more comfortable. Ultimately, the show lacks a strong narrative or character purpose. It is commendable that Regent's Park commissions dance to show audiences that dance can be great theatre without songs or script, but to convert audiences, it must be exceptional. At Open Air Theatre, London, until 14 June.
