Last night I went to see Sutra at New Theatre Oxford, and I was just completely blown away. It was everything - a cross combination and fusion between dance, performance art, sculpture, and kung fu. One of the most sensational things about this performance is how in many ways it was so minimal, but implemented an immense impact. Sutra is comprised of 19 Buddhist monks from China’s Shaolin Temple, choreographed by Sadler’s Wells, with sculpture pieces from Antony Gormley (21 wooden boxes to be exact). Within itself the set up seems far from complex, but the execution is both poetic and exhilarating. 
It starts with a child monk and Western man sat on a box - to the side behind them is a formation of boxes which look like a large wooden stage. Almost like a puzzle, or chess set, the two start rearranging small box pieces in front of them, and that seemingly ordinary stage is brought to life as monks start emerging from in and around the boxes. For a solid hour the performers dart across New Theatre’s stage assembling the boxes in the most transitional and dynamic ways. Watching these men have such control over their physical strength is such a sight to behold, but it’s not all ‘macho’ - they also move so graciously, and poised, with such precision that also encapsulates something very raw and human. 
It’s quite an unnerving thing to watch as they orchestrate themselves amongst each other at such a fast pace, simultaneously rearranging the boxes to then watch them crash down over each other in a domino effect - Sadler’s Wells’ choreography is flawless. Accompanied by a live, and hidden, score Sutra is one of the most engrossing performances I have ever seen. Embedded within the choreography is also a light but prominent story to be told - something my mind will be mulling over for days to come, I’m sure. Sutra also encompasses traditions within the origins of Shaolin history with a contemporary twist, which makes this performance a work of art - as I watched, the only comparison that I could make was that of director and choreographer Pina Bausch’s unique style. Mesmerising. 
Sutra now has only four more performance dates in the UK - one is tonight at New Theatre Oxford, and the last three will be at London’s Rosebery Avenue. I’ve checked, for those who are curious, and there are still seats available for tonight’s showing at New Theatre. If you’re not doing anything I humbly recommend you grab some tickets - Sutra is really worth your time. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aiqWWty0css For further information visit www.atgtickets.com.