© hkcp 'Space within Shapes' reviews recent Allen Lam reviews more Natasha Rogai reviews Discuss this review (Open for at least 6 months) A version of this review previously appeared in the South China Morning Post

The Black Box Theatre at Kwai Tsing can accommodate various formats and Lam has opted for a long, narrow stage area with the audience on two sides. At one end is an ingenious backdrop covered in strips of white material like bandages. This serves as a screen for video and is designed so that props (and on occasion people) pass through it between the bands of fabric. There is also a small movable structure which can be used to create various effects.

The 50 minute work consists of a series of eight scenes related to different aspects of Hong Kong life, from apartment dwellers battling insects in their homes to a woman in traditional Hakka dress sweeping the street.

One highly effective section has video images of a window cleaning gondola descending a skyscraper while Lam swings on ropes in front of the screen in a poetic aerial ballet. Another strong sequence shows the Hong Kong passion for shopping, with multiple projections of the crowds on escalators at a shopping mall in their endless search for something to buy, something to do, wittily accompanied by a pair of real legs poking out of the lower corner of the set, pedalling ferociously in the air.

The original and inventive combination of live action and video throughout is an outstanding feature of the piece, starting with the clever opening where Lam may be watched either as himself, at one end of the stage, or as his projected silhouette at the other. There is relatively little actual dance, but Lam performs the extended solo at the end with passion. The score is eclectic but attractive, with music ranging from jazz to Chinese classical.

A version of this review previously appeared in the South China Morning Post