Chunky Move is Victoria’s flagship contemporary dance company. Located in the Sturt Street arts precinct, the Chunky Move theatre is one of Melbourne’s hidden gems. As we ventured into the building, I realised that I had actually been there before for a dance yoga session (of all things) many moons ago. The evening the crowd is quite different and the ‘yoga room’ turns into a sleek pre/post-show bar.
Lucid is the latest production by Chunky Move’s artistic director, Anouk van Dijk. It is an incredibly energetic dance performance that explores clarity and chaos. The piece is entirely performed by the talented duo Lauren Langois and Steven Phillips, who work their way through a multitude of alter egos over the hour-long performance. There are lighthearted scenes and intense moments that make you feel. A particularly poignant scene saw a close-up of Lauren and her vulnerability laid bare as she was judged by a casting crew. You couldn’t help feel that this was very normal in the arts industry.
The use of the set and video production is absolutely first class. Each piece sees the duo rotate around a large theatre screen with the performance behind the screen being captured by multiple cameras. The cameras are constantly moved by the duo throughout the performance and are a vital part of the overall experience. Their use materially accentuates the show and provide access and angles to the that, as an audience, we are rarely privy to.
Lucid makes for a fabulous night out, and runs until 17 June 2016 in Victoria. The troupe also tours interstate and internationally. If you don’t want to make a trip get in quick!
– Rukmal
Co-founder of The Plus Ones, Rukmal lives and breathes events.
Chunky Move’s Lucid runs 31 May to 17 June at Chunky Move Studios (111 Sturt Street, Southbank). Buy tickets now.
