Three stars
Pike Performing Arts Center; Feb. 22

Speaking in a contemporary urban, young adult voice, Complexions has a vocabulary that’s in the main jarring in story and movement. Conflict seems as essential as breathing. The closing “Chapters Suite” is a repetitive reconfiguration of group dynamics swelling and dwarfing individuality as persona struggles to find air. Choreographed by founding artistic director Dwight Rhoden to music by Marvin Gaye, it’s a microcosm of the seemingly endless frenetic and tiresome daily routine of our youth. One does not leave with a sense of hopefulness. Rhoden is perhaps a prophet of our time where everyone runs about trying to get in step, gyrating, accosting and comforting as best they can in endless profusion of senseless activity. It’s not pretty, but it’s a strong comment on what we’re becoming, from the point of view of someone who’s in the midst of it.