Light as space and time in THERE WHERE WE WERE, the last, excellent work of DEJA DONNE. Independently of the very high level of technique and interpretation shown by the three dancers on stage, the power of this work is immediately visible in its meticulous dramatic texture. We hope to see this work more often in Italy.
Gian Maria Tosatti, Life Gate Genova 7. 2. 2004
What surprises you most is the sense of burning intimacy, which binds the artists and the audience together… the fact that one can feel involved in an abstract love story, with no words, no limitations of rules, no beginning and no end.
Giulia Mietta, Corriere Mercantile Genova 7. 2. 2004
… the current work, THERE WHERE WE WERE is completely different. Equally intense, the piece is kind of "No Exit" with scenario by Lenka Flory and Simone Sandroni. Lasting under an hour, it is a tour-de-force for three performers.
Where Noguchi impresses for her ferocity, Popova is just as menacing in her surface allure that takes no hostages. Tenderness barely masks her calculated scheming with obvious effect on Sandroni. Noguchi is the spoiler, and she misses no oportunity to break up the others. This piece ends in semi-darkness as a veritable draw with no satisfaction for any of the trio.
David Lipferd, Attitude Magazine, New York, 2003
Choreographers of the group Simone Sandroni and Lenka Flory managed to hit the jacpot. There Where We Were combines passion with great dancing skill. At the moment when Masako Noguchi and Teodora Popova in a fervent and precise style expressed the diverse feelings that can be experienced in a relationship the audience marvelled. So when Simone Sandroni entered the stage and changed the duo into the menage a trois then you could hear a pin drop.
Abendzeitung 11. 8. 2003
DEJA DONNE (Czech Lenka Flory and Italian Simone Sandroni) is unsparing in its depiction of the shifting power play between the compact Sandroni, sensual Teodora Popova and fierce Masako Noguchi. With surgical precision the three grip, grab, roll and slap their way through THERE WHERE WE WERE, a wordless drama of convulsive physical tirades, controlling seductions and stalking oppression. Nothing fals or showy here, but a tantalising hint of punitive gladiatorial exhilaration.
The Times, UK 15. 8. 2003
Critics‘ choice
Czech Company, DEJA DONNE return to the fringe after successful Aria Spinta in 1999. This three-part show performed by exceptionally talented and versatile dancers, gets to the heart of love, sex and death.
The Sunday Times, UK 17. 8. 2003
This tightly-wrought, muscular piece, with its undercurrent of violence, is no easy option. But as a study of the way obsessive love can wring the very life from us, this is astonishing, heart-stopping stuff.
Sunday Herald 17. 8. 2003
A man and two women probe into the darkest reaches of their triangular association. The exact nature of what connects them – family ties, friendship, sex, or love – is never made explicit.
When the lone man enters the arena, these possibilities multiply and become more complex. As sweat-drenched bodies lunge, spin, tussle, occasionally fall into step, you sense the real battle is how, with so many bruised emotions shadowing the dance, the three-some can manage co-exist in the same space at the same time.
Blisteringly brilliant, but likely to leave you feeling thoroughly upheaved.
The Herald 20. 8. 2003
This Czech-based company has extraordinary control, using an athletic, swivelling, flinging style that is so emotionally articulate it seems at times as if the dancers have actually spoken.
For performers and audience it is an exhausting and sometimes exhilarating journey, illuminated with great lighting and considerable intelligence by a small company with a brave heart.
The Quardian, UK 20. 8. 2003
Poignant, subtly erotic and depicted through innovative gestures, these pas de deux variations combine a kind of martial arts force of energy with pregnant pauses and emotional eloquence. The piano and trumpet score is equally conversant in both sentiment and silence as it skilfully moves between harmony and cacophony. All three performers have extraordinary stage presence, even when outside of the main frame, although the women's duets are particulary compelling. This may not be the loudest dance show around but it is certainly one of the classiest.
The Stage, UK 21. 8. 2003
This new work from Czech/Italian dance company DEJA DONNE is a real slow burner.
The dynamics constantly shift to incorporate solos, duets and trios as the three exceptional performers push their technical ability to the limit.
The Scotsman 23. 8. 2003
