Prepare to be mesmerized by the breathtaking spectacle that is “The Mirror”! Gravity & Other Myths as they have seamlessly blended acrobatics, dance, and the most cutting-edge production design to create an utterly dazzling experience. This North American premiere is set to take your breath away from January 24th to 27th, 2024, at the illustrious Vancouver Playhouse. Brace yourself for an acrobatic extravaganza that delves deep into the heart of genuine human connection, a poignant exploration that couldn’t be more relevant in our age of digital disconnection. Get ready for a night you won’t soon forget!
Having developed an intense and everlasting love for dance performances throughout my upbringing, I have consistently found myself irresistibly drawn to the mesmerizing power of this exquisite art form since childhood. However, my heart has always ached with an insatiable longing for the dancing rhythm that seems to elude me. Undoubtedly, it is this very rhythm that makes these performances truly enchanting. I can’t help but be astounded by the unparalleled talent showcased by these incredible artists, leaving me in a state of profound awe. With unwavering confidence, I declare (yes i’ll be dramatic about it) that this upcoming performance in January is an absolute imperative, an experience not to be missed under any circumstances.
Directed by the visionary Darcy Grant, The Mirror transcends traditional boundaries, seamlessly blending high-level dance choreography with innovative production elements. The Australian contemporary circus company introduces an immersive experience featuring an LED wall, cameras, selfie sticks, and an atmospheric electronica soundscape. This transformative combination adds a layer of intimacy to the exploration of human connection, exposing the vulnerability and authenticity of the performers.
Jim Smith, Artistic and Executive Director of DanceHouse, describes The Mirror as a “study of contrasts,” emphasizing its effervescent yet arcane nature, its visceral and cheeky elements, and its ability to strip bare the architecture of performance. The fourth wall is at times penetrated, offering audiences a behind-the-scenes glimpse into the inner workings of the mesmerizing stage presence.
Heather Redfern, Executive Director at The Cultch, praises Gravity & Other Myths for pushing artistic boundaries even further. “Through their disarming honesty – unmasked grunts of effort, shaky limbs, and backstage camera access – GOM artists break down the barrier between audience and performer, inviting us on their quest for authentic human connection in an increasingly superficial world.”
“The Mirror” has garnered acclaim as “a glorious spectacle that manages to be both intimate and hilarious,” highlighting its careful balance of technically complex acrobatics with emotionally charged stage presence. Lauded for its kaleidoscopic emotional journey, the performance explores defeated exhaustion, lighthearted joy, playful kink, and heart-bursting connection.
Co-commissioned by the Sydney Opera House and the Chamäleon Theatre in Berlin, The Mirror burst onto the stage with unparalleled brilliance during its unforgettable world premiere in Berlin in August 2022, igniting a breathtaking global journey that will leave audiences enraptured. Through the mesmerizing synergy of the company’s extraordinary physicality and the captivating contemporary design crafted by the genius Set & Lighting Designer Matt Adey, this transformative theatrical experience delves deep into the relentless pursuit of validation and the relentless façades we construct to conceal our authentic selves in a society engulfed by the captivating glow of screens. Prepare to be swept away on a tidal wave of raw emotion and vulnerability as The Mirror unravels the intricate layers of the human spirit, inviting us to question what truly lies beneath and the lengths we are willing to go to find our place in a world desiring nothing but perfection.
This groundbreaking performance is coming to Vancouver in the New Year, offering an opportunity for audiences to witness the convergence of dance, acrobatics, and digital innovation. Join us on this enthralling journey of self-discovery, vulnerability, and gravity-defying artistry. For tickets and further information, visit dancehouse.ca and prepare to be transported into a realm where authenticity takes center stage.