Deciphers, performing at the Coronet Theatre is a collaborative work by the acclaimed choreographers, Naishi Wang and Jean Abreu.  Both immigrants, Wang is a Toronto-based dance artist hailing from China, and Abreu, who was born in Brazil now lives in the United Kingdom. Deciphers thoughtfully examines the challenges of adapting to unfamiliar languages and cultures, capturing the complexities of communication, through both understanding and misunderstanding.

As the audience enter the auditorium, Jean Abreu & Naishi Wang are kneeling on the floor over a panel that stretches across the stage. Looking at or beyond the spectators they appear to be drawing inspiration from what they see and commit it to paper in a series of characters or caricatures.

Together, they raise the banner to show the audience the results to their work and as they grip the banner and move closer, the panel crumples between them. Wang tries crushing it with his entire body, but it refuses to disappear. Tenderly, they embrace, clutching at each other’s clothing, initially suggesting passion but gradually shifting into frustration or aggression as their movements intensify. The dancers capture the emotions before they are propelled into their individual inner worlds with closed eyes and neutral faces.

The piece is segmented into several scenes; unfortunately not all equally successful. Specific scenes are performed in silence or to the hypnotic electronic music of Olesia Onykiienko or a cracking noise that echoes the creased and crumpled textures of paper.

Words spill out, guttural Portuguese for Abreu, seemingly berating some perceived threat and a more placatory Mandarin for Wang. There is no translation and the communication is felt rather than understood.

In a particularly striking moment, lighting designer Lucie Bazzo employs bold primary colours, projecting their shadows onto a plain backdrop to create a dazzling, psychedelic display.

The choreography balances individuality and connection, side-by-side solos highlight the differences between the two dancers. Wang sinewy, yoga like with an almost boneless fluidity. Abreu’s more pronounced muscular strength suggests the Brazilian martial art, the Capoeira.

A compelling and intimate physical performance delivered with skill.

4 Stars.

Reviewed by Nina Gardner

Deciphers is performing at The Coronet Theatre Oct 23rd – 25th 2025

Dance City, Newcastle: 31 Oct 2025

Patrick Studio, Birmingham Hippodrome 6 Nov 2025

Brighton Dome, Corn Exchange: 11 Nov 2025

For tickets and further information visit the link below

https://www.thecoronettheatre.com/whats-on/deciphers/book/

Created and performed by Naishi Wang and Jean Abreu
Lighting Design by Lucie Bazzo
Visual Design by Ivy Wang
Music/ Composition by Olesia Onykiienko
Dramaturgy by Guy Cools
Technical Director: Emerson Kafarowski
Produced by Michael Peter Johnson (UK) and Robert Sauvey (Canada)