Melissa Major and The Cheshire Unicorn’s “I Feel You” opens with six individuals playing with an imaginary soccer ball and passing it around to each other. They are drowned in their own world, yet connected. They are surrounded by the crowd, yet alone. They are then plunged into darkness. A string of light appears, soft and tender, and falls on one dancer. One by one each dancer tells the story of their personal struggle through the flow of dance.
A lesbian couple hugs tight, kissing passionately. All of a sudden, a mob of people floods the stage to violently separate the women. The couple manages to run back to each other but is separated again and again. Finally, the crowd leaves the couple alone. There is a gleam of confusion. Then a step backward. And then the women go off on their separate ways. The entire show consists of poignant pieces like this: short but full of message.
I often genuinely wonder how people will react when I die. How many will cry for me? How soon will they forget about me? Then I ask myself, are these thoughts selfish? Why would I judge my loved ones by their sadness? Is that arrogant of me? What have I done to deserve their reminiscence? One piece in the show describes this scenario beautifully. In it, we are transported to a funeral. A body is surrounded by people who solemnly perform the funeral ceremony. They are sad, they are sobbing. A moment later, everyone takes off their black coats and starts laughing and partying. Would this happen when I die? Or would I be one of these unfeeling people at a friend’s funeral?
Next, we see a girl kidnapped by two shadows. Her eyes and mouth covered; her hands tied. She is bound to a chair and questioned by a voice: “Do you feel loved?” The girl shakes her head. “You are going to sit there until you can think of an occasion on which you felt loved. I want you to know that the world is filled with love, and you are surround by love.” The voice waits. “Now, have you thought of anything?” The girl nods her head mechanically. Both of my friends thought this scene was depressing. They said it reminded them of people who are perceived as mentally ill for being outliers in society. People who are judged, criticized, and sometimes forced to act according to what is considered to be right. I, on the other hand, viewed this scene as positive and encouraging. Often times I feel entitled and take for granted the many things I am fortunate to have. I grumble about my unfulfilled desires. If you ask me the question “Do you feel loved?” my immediate answer would be “No”. But this booming voice and it’s accompanying silence made me pay attention to the love and support that I constantly overlook. I am extremely curious to know your thoughts on this piece. Are we on the same team?
The show touched on several contemporary societal issues especially to do with social isolation and anxieties. One way or another, you relate to the dancers on stage and feel that you are not alone.
Get your tickets here for “I Feel You” and check out more shows at the Toronto Fringe!
– Carol Tian (Youtube)