An Abstract Host And Guest From Synetic
In Synetic's production of Host and Guest, even the pantomimed act of suiting up for war is a thing of lyrical beauty.
The show is based on an epic Georgian poem and a remounting of a previous production in response to the recent conflict in the region. The story of Host and Guest is a rather thin one - hunters from warring clans meet in forest. One brings the other home as his guest, but the surrounding visitors recognize his identity as a rival. The host's decision has tremendous consequence, and the bulk of the play unwinds tragedy after tragedy that befalls the pair following the choice.
The themes of Host and Guest are fairly broad - war is devastating, senseless and baseless fighting is even more so - but the brutality demonstrated through Irina Tsikurishvili's choreography drives the point home again and again. Synetic's always been a troupe that can masterfully build a climax, and this show is no exception, as the dancers' increasingly frenetic movements in the final battle scene are complemented by soaring music by Konstantine Lortkipanidze (whose compositions here feel more romantic than his frequently atonal work that accompanies many Synetic shows).
The play is one of Synetic's most abstract works in recent memory. Because of the work's limited dialogue and plotline, the actors here are emoting more than anything else - and doing a rather powerful job at it. Ben Cunis as Zviadauri, the guest, is steely masculine energy (his deliberate movements reflect his outer and inner strength); Dan Istrate a brave, pitiable presence as his stalwart defender Joqola. As Aghaza, Joqola's wife, Tsikurishvili's facial expressions are the epitome of suffering, almost calling to mind the work of an expressive silent movie actress.
The ensemble's atmospheric touches, however, add just as much to the production's feel. Whether gracefully hopping about like a deer, or ominously coming together, sticks twirling, as the menacing masses assembled against Zviadauri, the actors help keep the flow of the work seamless and poetic, whether as a stunning focal point or as a form of misdirection (like during the buildup to Aghaza's breathtaking and unexpected fall from a mountain).
The simplicity of the work is both a blessing and a curse for Host and Guest - even while one might want for more nuanced themes, the focus turns completely to the moody stage artistry and the devastating effect of the play's increasingly tragic turns. Host and Guest runs through Nov. 9 at the Rosslyn Spectrum. Tickets are available online.