Most men say it with flowers. But Pep Ramis proffers a tree to partner Maria Munoz in their latest physical-theatre creation. The Barcelona duo Mal Pelo are respected internationally for their refreshing, surreal approach, incorporating intriguing images and text into intensely physical dance. Their new work, L'Animal Al'Esquena - the animal on your back - is the culmination of a year-long project that has included an exhibition of paintings and sculpture, and a book of poetry and photography.

Here the animal of the title seems to be the burden that we all have to carry from time to time, especially in relationships when things cool off. In his text Ramis sees it as a travelling companion, a crushing weight to bear, and something that guards everything he has loved. The poems are in Catalan, but it doesn't matter because the choreography speaks volumes, as the couple pass through seven stages of their lives together, entwining with intimacy, then fighting when their love drifts away.

Seemingly desperate to rekindle the passion of their early years, our hero buys his woman a tree. Forlorn yet ardent, he embraces her round its trunk, creating a curious trio to the sounds of romantic strings. Ramis has had no formal training, yet he is a magnetic dancer, his body shaping like Plasticine, with huge leg movements here, stealthy martial arts control there, bursts of action, then reflection.

While Ramis dances barefoot, Munoz launches herself across the stage in heavy leather shoes that barely make a sound. She gyrates solo to the rhythms of his verse, then clings to his back like a limpet, suddenly melting into his arms as if boneless, her body totally controlled by his. Standing behind her, he is like a puppeteer, manipulating her dead weight. He sways her diagonally from arm to arm like a human pendulum; throughout there are sensational balances, hip to hip, body to angled thigh, as they lean on each other as in life.

He is obsessed with desire; she, however, is hooked on death. The tree ends up as a pile of kindling. Mal Pelo are witty, imaginative and gentle, and perform with great commitment. This was a rare chance to see one of Spain's finest dance exports.