Review: everything i wanted to tell you (Vazari | Citadel + Compagnie)

With each lift, shimmy, and playful shove, everything i wanted to tell you (but couldn’t, so here it is now), choreographed by Jessie Garon, explores the physical and emotional push and pull of familial relationships. Presented by Vazari and Citadel + Compagnie, this contemporary dance work balances humor and gravity as it unpacks the joys and struggles of these family bonds, subtly questioning the cultural push toward setting rigid boundaries with family.

The performance begins on a light hearted note, brimming with goofy interactions that capture the camaraderie of close family or sibling dynamics. Two dancers, Sully Malaeb Proulx and Jarrett Siddall, perform choreography that is intensely physical, packed with acrobatic flips, lifts, and pushes—each executed with a daring energy and wit that resonates strongly with the audience. The two move with the kind of unguarded ease generally only found in sibling relations. They boldly attempt feats without hesitation, trusting that the other will catch, balance, or counter their movements.

The audience, drawn into this intimate world, responds with continuous giggles, especially during playful blackout periods. During these moments, the sound of squeaky shoes race around the space in the dark, creating a sense of chaotic fun. Each time the lights flash back on, the dancers are caught in another humorous, challenging, or mischievous pose, sharing a conspiratorial glance with the audience that only deepens the connection. I could have gladly stayed in this joyful world for the entire performance.

However, as the narrative unfolds, the tone shifts to the exploration of the darker and more serious aspects of these bonds. This change reflects the dark side of the same relationships, where those who lift you up can just as easily weigh you down. A significant aspect of the work is its reflection on the words "yes," "no," and "wait." These terms frame the discourse on boundaries and engagement within these familial relationships. The inclusion of "wait" suggests a pause, a moment of consideration that adds depth to the interaction, offering a chance to extend empathy and flexibility to oneself or to family.

The set design, crafted by Garon, offers a minimalist yet highly functional space of cardboard boxes of various sizes strategically placed across the floor and along the walls. These boxes are woven into the choreography, serving as platforms for the dancers to stand on, sources of costume changes, or even elements to be interactively used or broken during the performance. Symbolically, these boxes could be seen as representing the different burdens or 'baggage' we carry, with family members playing a crucial role in helping us manage them.

The overall stage space is dark, framed by black curtains and a black floor, with the exception of a large white square in the center of the stage. This white space not only complements the scattered boxes throughout but also allows for dramatic shifts in atmosphere through colorful lighting designed by Simon Rossiter. Rossiter’s lighting perfectly suits the mood of each scene, while also bringing its own creative twist, ensuring that its design never fades into the background.

My highlight of this work was the truly impressive narrative arc and the charm of its two performers, whose natural chemistry makes them instantly engaging. Garon’s direction is exceptionally strong, skillfully building up the characters, presenting their hardships, and leaving just enough open space for audience members to overlay their own experiences and stories. I felt engaged throughout the entire hour-long performance, deeply impressed by the depth with which the choreography explored these complex themes. 

everything i wanted to tell you is a beautifully crafted piece that captures the essence of familial relationships—the joy, the comfort, the challenges, and the deep, often unspoken bonds that connect us. Although the current run is sold out, I highly recommend that those interested keep an eye out for last-minute openings and future performances.

everything i wanted to tell you, presented in part by Vazari and Citadel + Compagnie is playing until February 9th, 2025. Tickets are general admission and cost $35.00. You can get tickets online here.

For more information:
www.citadelcie.com Facebook and Twitter: @citadelcie Instagram: @citadelcie_
www.vazariarts.com Facebook and Instagram: @vazariartsco

Photo by Roya DelSol.

Written by Deanne Kearney. DeanneKearney.com @DeanneKearney