A visually spectacular and frenetically energetic show of wild contemporary dance, utilising clever set design intertwined with technological artistry and a unique arena-like staging
Presented by: The Human Expression (T.H.E) Dance Company
Reviewed: 27 October, 2023
A thoughtful and visually-gratifying collaboration of technology and contemporary dance, Infinitely Closer utilises spectacular movement and experimental theatrical and technological techniques to explore freedom and connection, though the visuals combined with the choreography have the biggest impact.
The set is noticeably different from the very first moment, bringing the audience up behind the curtain and onto the stage of the Festival Theatre. Seats are set up around a square space to create an arena theatre, with audience members encouraged to walk around and interrogate the ’stage’ containing the set, and performers dressed in identical grey, Mao-like structured uniforms. The set is also noticeably unique, with three large transparent screens stretched across high-reaching black frames placed in the middle, creating manoeuvrable wall-like boundaries for the dancers, as well as spaces for mesmerising projections to land upon.
The dance troupe, containing five Singaporean and two Australian performers, provide not only an amazing example of honed skill, but a reminder of the incredible feats of fitness and physical manoeuvring that the human body is capable of. Beginning the performance with solo choreographed movements, they drift towards connecting with each other as time goes on, with intertwining interactions and synchronised movements taking place. This could be representative of an individual path in the world as it embarks on connection with others around it, beginning with small interactions and growing into deeper, more intense and intimate connections.
Throughout the show the audience is kept on their toes with an intense, and often pulsating soundtrack whose bass reverberates throughout every body within the space. From deep throat singing and disjointed lighter vocal notes to unnerving explosions, the music is varied, but all with a slightly (and sometimes more intensely) technological element to it, such as static, beeps, alarms, and more. Throughout the show the music becomes exaggeratedly disjointed and even more unnerving, which is compounded by the dancers’ bodies mimicking this punchy chaos, but then both the music and performers sway back to a calmer and more serene performance.
The beauty of the dancer’s moves are emphasised through the dramatic use of technology. In the beginning a large face appears, eventually contorting into exaggerated facial expressions that entrance, but also sometimes disturb through additional digital mutations. After this, small balls of light fall from the sky, and towards the end, digital mapping mirrors the dancers’ movements and ever-changing lines of static depict gyrating bodies projected on the large screens.
For some, the themes of freedom and connection may not feel like the most powerful part of the performance, especially for those who are new to contemporary dance or infrequently experience it. Instead they may just marvel at the visual splendour before their eyes thanks to such impressive choreography and execution. The production is visually spectacular, but perhaps doesn’t fully convey as powerfully the intended themes behind the performance, making the connection for some audience members harder to make.
Although the themes may not be clear to all, that doesn’t detract from the visual feast created through collaboration of various technologies and the stamina and curated exertion of the human body. Infinitely Closer provides a contemporary experience for audiences that is not commonly experienced, and executes a physically intense and impressive choreography to a world-class level.
Reviewed by: Georgina Smerd
Photo credit: Bernie Ng
Venue: Festival Theatre, Adelaide Festival Centre
Season: Ended
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