Malevo

This exhilarating all-male Argentinian company of dancers and drummers look equally excited with the standing ovations for their Australian debut at the Sydney Opera House.  

What would the old gauchos/cowboys have thought, who first developed these traditional folk dances (Malambo) around remote fires out on the Pampas grasslands two centuries ago?  

Refashioned by Malevo, the company name means something between ruffian and assassin. It well captures the initial snarling, prowling, strutting machismo of this baker’s dozen as they pound low slung drums and stamp their Cuban heels.  Their rat-a-tat footwork and swinging bodies bring alive the horse movement which inspired them.

A high point is the overhead whirl of boleadoras. This originally was a hunting tool of a leather cord finished with a stone, which the dancers here in rapidly rap down on the floor banging out yet more rhythms. They’re backed by a band of violin, guitar, accordion and yet more drums.  It’s captivating stuff as virtuosic solos stomp and sweep the floor, working various boleadoras, whips, drums and blankets, before this is picked up and transformed into full company numbers. 

But don’t get the idea it’s a folksy show. Beyond the flamenco, Malevo is really more Chippendales married to Stomp, with a sparkle of Magic Mike, and the mad legwork of Riverdance.

With shaved chests partly clad in leather and twines, legs astride and chests thrust forward, these tall cowboys deliver a charged, uplifting sensation. And the machismo scowls are soon turned to smiles.  Dance series are certainly too often repeated but the artistry, especially under spectacular lighting, does stretch to the finish. Malevo is the creation of director and choreographer Gonzalo Jamie. Next stop is Melbourne.

Martin Portus

Photographer: Jordan K Munns