OFD reviews | Divija Melally

one foot in the dark

“Melally has managed to encapsulate an overwhelmingly huge topic into something beautiful, powerful and cool. The image of Melally’s dancing among a mass of white balls of differing sizes – each movement sending the balls rippling to the edges of the stage – is an enduring one that will stay with me for a long time.”

“Also striking was Divija Melally’s The Skeleton Is White. This self-made solo deploys elements of contemporary and Indian classical dance, as well as physical theatre and spoken text, to consider perceptions of skin colour and degrees of racial discrimination. Melally is a likeable stage presence, seriously playful and alert. She is also an expressive dancer, her moves lively and strong. Melally’s forthright and enquiring intelligence keeps us onside.”

“Divija Melally's The Skeleton is White proved the thoughtful meat of the evening and explored racism and white power. Melally (contemporary and Indian classical trained) is a magnetic watch as she illuminates the myriad reminders of what a white dominated and shaped world we live and starkly relives her own worries, notably about being attacked while out walking. Her showmanship involved filling the floor with white balls, a visually stunning image in its own right and a neat metaphor. The most rounded and joined-up piece of the night - I'll certainly look out for more by Melally.”

"A beautiful double bill where the connection between the audience and performers was so tangible. Through both the words and movement they managed to convey such beautiful nuance of their experiences. They were both gliding through the struggle and we as an audience felt every moment."

"Fresh & powerful ways of approaching the themes. Sensitive and original. Great voice work skills and a lovely pace and momentum through repeated voice and movement phrases, like a magnet that kept pulling us back in."

"It was a joy to witness such grounded, knowing, inquisitive dancing. I loved the relationship and connection in the duet, and the playfulness and room for discovery that is built in the choreography/performance."

"A moving, profound and compelling piece. I was left thinking deeply about journeys, home, place and boundaries and my relationship to them. I appreciated the balance between movement and poetry. The push and pull throughout the piece was gut wrenching, and particularly for anyone who has ever felt displaced, It will sit with them."

"It was my favorite part, I didn’t want it to end, I wanted them to keep going. The performers were stunning, I still can’t stop thinking about the work, chills! "

"It was my first time watching theatre, and the show blew my mind. I am looking forward to seeing more of this now. I was mesmerised and drawn into it. It made me feel something throughout. The chemistry between the performers was amazing."

"It made me laugh and also feel emotional. The words and movement were powerful and had everyone completely invested in it."