John Moran and his Neighbour, Saori

Source: The List (Issue 583)
Date: 16 August 2007
Written by: Kelly Apter

Comments (0)

Captivating mix of music and madness

First off, this is not the show we’re supposed to see. At time of reviewing, the eponymous Saori was still in New York, nursing a burnt foot. By the end of Moran’s Edinburgh run, the Japanese dancer should be on stage with him – albeit slightly less mobile than usual.

While he waits for her to arrive, Moran is doing a rather fine job on his own. The New York musician, a protégé of Philip Glass, has an oddly captivating quality that’s completely unexpected. Nothing fazes him – as witnessed by the fact he’s going it alone with Saori. In a nutshell, Moran plays guitar and lip-synchs to pre-recorded spoken words, then moves around a bit.

Which sounds slightly bonkers – and is, but with real genius as its foundation. And even if Moran’s performance style doesn’t make you warm to him, the honesty in his autobiographical anecdotes surely will. (Kelly Apter)

Assembly Aurora Nova, 623 3030, until 27 Aug, 11pm, £12–£13 (£9–£10)

More: Edinburgh Festivals, Festival Fringe, John Moran and his Neighbour Saori, Contemporary Dance (Dance)