Review: FRAY (Sadler's Wells, Lilian Baylis Studio)

Review by Beth Bowden

⭐️⭐️⭐️

Heading to Sadler’s Wells after a UK debut at Wilton’s Music Hall in 2023, FRAY promises an experimental blend of hip-hop, spoken word and AI technology. Created by Kate Duhamel (Executive Producer and Director) of CandyBomber Productions and Jonzi D (Artistic Director) of Breakin’ Convention - the production follows two brothers as they enter a competition to create a new video game. Slipping between simulation and reality, the two are increasingly pulled apart by ambition, technology, and competition.

The standout of the piece is the choreography, created by Ola Papior. Using movement and redefining hip-hop to translate quantum physics, coding, and even Schrodinger's Cat… my favourite parts are the big group dances. There is great joy in watching the cast (who multirole to tell the story) who are just a bunch of incredibly talented, charismatic dancers and performers. They inject a dynamic, rhythmic energy and a clear love for hip-hop into the work - and the audience loves it. By the curtain call lots of the audience were on their feet dancing too - and such is the infectious nature of a good boogie. It is extremely impressive work - and it’s great to see the celebration of hip-hop culture platformed in London.

Thematically, FRAY also explores the dangers of technology, and the generation of young people addicted to video games, retreating into online, anonymous worlds to escape reality. I loved the solo performances by the two brothers, played by Kieran Lai and Kailon Chéry, which explore these feelings. There is a touching simplicity to these moments - one person on stage, struggling with their emotions, and stripped back to the honesty and vulnerability of their body moving to translate this internal struggle. Increasingly, I reflect, there is a gap between the ‘reality’ of our true ‘in person' self and the online ‘persona’ we create for ourselves. This split state, between the person we actually are, and the person we’d like to present, curate, and create to others, feeds our insecurities and isolates us from others, reality and ourselves.

Where FRAY struggles is the storyline - the plot moves too quickly, lacks depth, and doesn’t give us a chance to connect with the characters. The heart of the production, I think, should explore what it means to be human in the face of technology - but the narrative doesn’t give us enough time to explore the connection between the brothers, or their love for their families, friends and for dance. AI could be such a sinister force in our lives - and while FRAY does touch on technology's insidious effects on young people, there’s not enough narrative to tether the audience to these themes or the plot. Some of the words feel muddled, there’s not a clear ending, and it’s a shame, because by comparison the dance and movement are so strong.

FRAY performed 21-22 June 2024 at Lilian Baylis Studio, Sadlers Wells.

For more information visit https://www.sadlerswells.com/whats-on/candybomber-fray/

A playable interactive version of the game FRAY will be released on STEAM, available at: https://store.steampowered.com/app/2967140/FRAY_Game/