PIXEL (Her Majesty's) – theatre review

The concept for this special show involving fluid movement, imagery and digital media arose when French artistic director and choreographer Mourad Merzouki met multidisciplinary artists Adrien Mondot and Claire Bardainne. PIXEL, which was created in November 2014, is a melding of the real and virtual worlds. It combines dance with the abstract for 70 minutes without interval.

The space the 11 performers work within enables them to “interact” with projections on a 3D set. You sit there mesmerised and incredulous, gobsmacked at how the lithe and athletic artistes do what they do against the visually alluring backdrop. It is the combination of visuals, music and movement – everything from the balletic to hip hop – that enables this magical sensory show to shine.

The visuals – computer generated dots and lines and shapes – appear both from stage to ceiling and on the stage itself, a wallpaper or skin seemingly pushed aside by any and all movement generated by the performers. At times it is a lattice like structure with the artists stepping or leaping onto safe circular ground. On other occasions, is has the appearance of an architect’s drawing, displaying curves and undulations that the dancers must navigate without slipping down a fictitious chasm.  As a backdrop, it can appear like raindrops.

The music, mainly instrumental, by French composer Armand Amar, is the ideal accompaniment, setting the tone and establishing the mood. This is interactive entertainment quite unlike anything I have seen before. It is exciting to watch – skilful, powerful, technically proficient and ethereal. Catch it if you can.

PIXEL is playing at Her Majesty’s Theatre in Melbourne until September 4th.

Alex First