In the ever-evolving landscape of contemporary dance, few choreographers have pushed the boundaries of artistic expression quite like Wayne McGregor. His latest creation, “Deepstaria,” presented by Company Wayne McGregor at Sadler’s Wells in London, is a testament to his unrelenting pursuit of innovation and his ability to seamlessly blend technology, science, and human movement into a captivating spectacle. This 75-minute meditation on the unknowable depths of the sea and the vast expanse of space challenges audiences to reconsider their perceptions of dance and invites them on a journey of exploration and uncertainty
The Visionary Behind the Vision
To fully appreciate the magnitude of “Deepstaria,” one must first understand the artistic genius of Wayne McGregor. Born in Stockport in 1970, McGregor’s journey in dance began at University College, Bretton Hall, and the José Limon School in New York
McGregor’s artistic vision is characterized by a deep fascination with the intersection of dance, science, and technology. His collaborations with cognitive scientists have led to groundbreaking tools like the Choreographic Thinking Tools, which utilize embodied mental imagery to create movement material
This interdisciplinary approach has become a hallmark of McGregor’s work, challenging traditional notions of choreography and pushing dancers and audiences alike to engage with dance on both a physical and intellectual level.McGregor’s appointment as the first resident choreographer at the Royal Ballet from outside the company was a watershed moment, signaling a shift towards more experimental and contemporary approaches within the hallowed halls of classical ballet
His works for the Royal Ballet, such as “Chroma” and “Infra,” have garnered critical acclaim for their innovative use of space and technology
This blend of classical technique with cutting-edge concepts has become McGregor’s signature, earning him a reputation as one of the most forward-thinking choreographers of our time.
Deepstaria: A Dive into the Unknown
“Deepstaria” takes its name from a genus of jellyfish found in the deepest parts of the ocean, setting the stage for a performance that explores the mysteries of the deep sea and the vast unknowns of outer space. The piece is a 75-minute continuous journey, eschewing traditional intervals to maintain an unbroken immersion into its otherworldly atmosphere
This choice, while bold, has been noted by some reviewers as potentially challenging for audiences, with the intensity of the experience sometimes bordering on overwhelming
The choreography of “Deepstaria” is quintessential McGregor – dynamic, exploratory, and imbued with a sense of constant discovery. The dancers move with a fluidity that evokes the undulating motions of deep-sea creatures, their bodies twisting and contorting in ways that seem to defy human limitations. The movement vocabulary shifts between moments of languid, floating gestures and explosive bursts of energy, mirroring the unpredictable nature of the environments the piece seeks to explore
One of the most striking aspects of the choreography is its emphasis on partnering work. The dancers engage in complex lifts and supports, their bodies intertwining and separating in a constant flow that speaks to the interconnectedness of all things in the natural world. This intricate partnering serves not only as a display of technical prowess but also as a metaphor for the delicate balance of ecosystems in both the ocean depths and the cosmos.
A Technological Marvel
What sets “Deepstaria” apart from other contemporary dance pieces is its groundbreaking use of technology, particularly the incorporation of Vantablack Vision. This ultra-black coating, developed by Surrey NanoSystems, absorbs 99.965% of visible light, creating an effect of absolute darkness
The use of Vantablack in the set design of “Deepstaria” is nothing short of revolutionary, allowing McGregor and his team to create a void-like environment that blurs the lines between reality and illusion.The lighting design by Theresa Baumgartner works in perfect harmony with the Vantablack elements, creating stark contrasts that highlight the dancers’ movements and shape the audience’s perception of space. Beams of light cut through the darkness, sometimes appearing as shafts of sunlight penetrating the ocean depths, other times as distant stars in the vastness of space. This interplay between light and darkness is not merely aesthetic; it serves as a crucial element in the storytelling, guiding the audience’s focus and evoking the sense of mystery and discovery that lies at the heart of the piece
The sound design, an AI-assisted score, adds another layer of technological innovation to the performance. The haunting soundscape blends electronic elements with more organic sounds, creating an auditory experience that complements the visual spectacle. The use of AI in the composition process speaks to McGregor’s ongoing interest in the intersection of technology and art, pushing the boundaries of what is possible in live performance
The Dancers: Strength and Vulnerability
At the core of “Deepstaria” are the dancers of Company Wayne McGregor, whose performances have been universally praised for their strength, control, and emotional depth. The company, known for its exceptional technical abilities, rises to the challenges posed by McGregor’s complex choreography with apparent ease. Their movements range from impossibly fluid to sharply angular, embodying the contrasts inherent in the piece’s themes
What is particularly noteworthy is the dancers’ ability to convey a sense of vulnerability amidst their displays of physical prowess. As they navigate the stark, otherworldly landscape created by the set and lighting design, there are moments of hesitation, of gentle exploration, that remind the audience of the human element at the heart of this technological spectacle. This juxtaposition of strength and fragility serves as a powerful metaphor for humanity’s relationship with the unknown – our drive to explore tempered by our awareness of our own limitations.The ensemble work in “Deepstaria” is particularly striking, with the dancers moving as a cohesive unit one moment, then splintering into individual explorations the next. This constant shift between unity and individuality creates a visual rhythm that keeps the audience engaged throughout the performance’s duration.
Thematic Depth and Intellectual Engagement
“Deepstaria” is not content to be merely a visual spectacle; it aims to engage the audience on an intellectual level as well. The piece invites contemplation on themes of exploration, the nature of consciousness, and humanity’s place in the vast unknowns of our world and beyond. By drawing parallels between the depths of the ocean and the expanse of space, McGregor encourages us to consider the similarities in our approach to these frontiers of human knowledge
The choreography often seems to pose questions rather than provide answers. Movements that evoke searching, reaching, and grasping are recurrent motifs, symbolizing humanity’s constant quest for understanding. At times, the dancers appear to be navigating invisible currents or gravitational fields, their bodies responding to forces unseen by the audience. This creates a sense of an unseen world just beyond our perception, tantalizing in its mystery.The use of Vantablack in the set design serves not only as a technological marvel but also as a powerful metaphor for the limits of human knowledge. The absolute darkness it creates represents the unknown, the void into which we project our fears, hopes, and imaginations. As the dancers move in and out of this darkness, they embody the human experience of confronting the unknown – at times fearful, at times exhilarated, but always driven by curiosity.
Critical Reception and Audience Impact
The reception of “Deepstaria” has been largely positive, with critics praising its innovative use of technology and the exceptional quality of the dancing. The Financial Times, known for its discerning arts criticism, has reportedly provided a detailed and professional critique of the performance, though the full content of their review is not available
This suggests that the piece has made a significant impact in the world of contemporary dance, worthy of serious consideration by respected publications.The Times describes “Deepstaria” as a “75-minute meditation on the unknowable,” highlighting the thematic depth of the piece. Their review notes the dynamic nature of the choreography and its sense of exploration and uncertainty. However, they also critique the piece for lacking a strong sense of structural development, suggesting that while visually stunning, the narrative arc of the performance may not be as clearly defined as some might prefer
.Yahoo Entertainment’s review focuses on the visual aspects of “Deepstaria,” particularly praising the use of Vantablack Vision and the lighting design. However, they note that despite its impressive aesthetics, the piece did not evoke a strong emotional response
. This critique raises interesting questions about the balance between visual spectacle and emotional resonance in contemporary dance performances.Bachtrack’s review offers high praise for the quality of the dancers and the innovative use of lighting and set design. They describe the performance as cerebral, requiring concentration and engagement from the audience. Interestingly, they suggest that an interval might benefit the pacing of the show, echoing comments from other reviewers about the intensity of the unbroken 75-minute performance
.The review from Everything Theatre highlights both the strengths and potential weaknesses of “Deepstaria.” While praising the innovative use of technology and the sensational performance of the Wayne McGregor Company, they also mention that the show can feel long and challenging due to the intense lighting design
. This balanced critique provides valuable insight into the audience experience, acknowledging both the piece’s ambition and the demands it places on viewers.
Conclusion: A Bold Step into the Future of Dance
“Deepstaria” represents a bold step forward in the evolution of contemporary dance. Wayne McGregor’s visionary approach to choreography, combined with cutting-edge technology and a deeply considered thematic framework, has resulted in a piece that challenges and expands our understanding of what dance can be. The integration of Vantablack Vision, AI-assisted sound design, and innovative lighting creates an immersive experience that goes beyond traditional notions of performance.While the piece may not resonate equally with all audience members, particularly in its more abstract and challenging moments, it undeniably achieves its goal of provoking thought and pushing boundaries. The sheer ambition of “Deepstaria” – its attempt to grapple with concepts as vast as the depths of the ocean and the expanse of space through the medium of dance – is commendable.The exceptional performances by the dancers of Company Wayne McGregor bring McGregor’s vision to life with skill and emotional depth. Their ability to navigate the complex choreography while conveying a sense of genuine exploration and vulnerability is a testament to their artistry and the effectiveness of McGregor’s direction.“Deepstaria” may not be a performance for everyone. Its intensity, both visual and conceptual, demands much from its audience. However, for those willing to engage with it fully, it offers a unique and thought-provoking journey into the unknown. It stands as a prime example of how contemporary dance can incorporate technology and scientific concepts to create something truly innovative.In the landscape of contemporary performance, “Deepstaria” shines as a beacon of possibility, illuminating new paths for the integration of art, science, and technology. It challenges us to look beyond the surface, to contemplate the mysteries that surround us, and to recognize the power of human creativity in exploring the unknown. As we continue to push the boundaries of our understanding of the world, performances like “Deepstaria” remind us of the vital role that art plays in interpreting and expressing our collective journey of discovery.
