As classic fairy-tales go, Alice in Wonderland has always been one of those tales that no one is quite sure where it comes from. With characters such as the White Rabbit, The Mad Hatter and the Queen of Hearts, it’s no wonder people have always wondered about Wonderland. The story of Alice in Wonderland written by Lewis Carroll is renowned for being a bit “trippy”, however I feel that it has only been in the production presented by the UJ Dance Company and directed by resident choreographer Owen Lonzar that the real life side of the story crept out from the rabbit hole.

The production which is loosely based on the story of Alice in Wonderland which has been described by the director, choreographer, conceptualist, production designer as well as costume designer Owen Lonzar as “an unusual twist to a familiar tale” which in my opinion couldn’t not be more apt. For the first time in my life I quickly discovered through the talented cast’s perfectly choreographed dance moves a whole new side to Alice and her fantasy Wonderland. In this version of Alice in Wonderland the actual issue of drug use is far more apparent than in the original. As Lonzar points out that   “the level of drug abuse amongst the youth is dangerously high” and accredits his concern as a parent as well as a choreographer working with students as the spark which lit the flame in the creative process of Alice Who?  

The show is a platform for many of the well-known characters such as Alice, The Mad Hatter, as well as the infamous White Rabbit to portray the story in a whole new light. Also included are deviations on the familiar favourites such as the Queen of Tarts as well as Tweedledum and Tweedlestoopid. As well as the addition of the character of the Boyfriend who brings what would be just another children’s story to real life. In this version of the story the character of Alice is a drug addict with the White Rabbit as the drug dealer who appropriately dances a solo to the “Candy Man”.  While Alice enjoys her time in Wonderland we see the character of the Boyfriend reflecting the effect of drug use in the real world, which really brings the issue of drug use home.

The music used in the production as well as the choreography created what appeared to be an effortless narration of the story. The opening sequence which was danced to Rihanna’s California King Bed definitely changed my perception of the song, adding sublime meaning and detail to the song, through merely movement. Included in the score the song title Hop on Hop Off by South African Band Goodluck featured in its own dance sequence which I personally was very excited about, being a fan of South African music, especially up and coming bands.

Going in to the cosy yet satisfying UJ Arts auditorium, I was unsure of what to expect from a dance production, however after the hour of escape the dancers (all UJ students) produced, I knew this was what I had come to see.