The Forgery of the Pandemic

The Forgery of the Pandemic is not the average dance production. Firstly, it’s put on by a youth dance company. Secondly, the plot – touching upon the pandemic panics as well as on sexism – takes these young dancers to a very adult plane.

The music ranges from alternative rock to ethnic folk songs, most recognisable of these the theme tune from Twilight soundtrack, which does indeed suit the mood of the show. It works particularly well with the video projected to a hospital screen, resulting in a genuinely disturbing showing.

Certain scenes of the production would probably work better with less acting, as occasionally they have opted for numbers unaccompanied by music and focused on the dancers’ breathing. The slight pause between the intro and the main part of the show is a welcome divide, but again, it could have done with some background music leading the audience into the main part.

Nonetheless, the choreography is interesting and the use of multimedia and props fantastic. Each viewer is provided with their own safety mask – a clever addition that helps the audience participate the atmosphere created on the stage.

There is a bit of possible knit-picking to be done here, as some of the dancers’ moves are not always completely in sync or perfectly poised. However, considering that it is a production of a school dance group, it is immensely well done and exciting. Combining anxiety and defiance on stage, their performance is an impressive and passionate debut at the Fringe.