Review - Lucie In The Sky Premiere: Dancers and drones entwine
By Liv Wilson
Lucie In The Sky
Australasian Dance Collective
QPAC Playhouse
Bookings https://qpac.n.qtix.com.au
Photo by David Kelly
Australasian Dance Collective's world premiere of Lucie In the Sky was an ambitious performance featuring dancers and drones. While the production showed promise, it fell short of expectations in some areas. Despite this, there were several noteworthy moments that stood out in the performance.
he production was a beautiful showcase of the dancers' exceptional skill and dedication to their craft. Each performer masterfully conveyed the emotional depth of the piece, bringing the audience on a powerful and moving journey. The costumes, designed by the talented Harriet Oxley, were a true highlight, elevating the performers and adding a cinematic quality reminiscent of epic sci-fi films such as 'Dune' or 'The Last Jedi'.
However, the execution of the production felt plain and lacked the depth necessary to fully engage the audience. Although some moments were provocative and poignant, the production failed to retain the audience's attention throughout.
While technical difficulties disrupted the early part of the performance, Amy Hollingsworth, ADC Artistic Director, showcased remarkable talent in her choreography and direction throughout the rest of the show. It's clear that Hollingsworth is a skilled and experienced professional who knows how to bring out the best in her performers.
While the storyline of the production was highly anticipated, some audience members may have found it difficult to fully relate to and understand. The emotional intelligence portrayed by the drones was particularly challenging to follow, requiring a level of abstract thinking and interpretation that some viewers may not have been prepared for.
However, the emotional content conveyed by the human characters was more clearly articulated and easily understood, providing a strong foundation for the audience to connect with the story. Despite these challenges, the production was an ambitious and thought-provoking exploration of the relationship between humanity and technology, and it's clear that a great deal of effort and creativity went into bringing this complex narrative to life on stage.
Wil Hughes' soundscape was a standout feature of the performance, creating a powerful and cinematic atmosphere that enhanced the storytelling. While some attendees with sensitive hearing may have found the consistent bass throughout the hour-long performance challenging, it added a dynamic element to the overall experience.
Lucie In the Sky had some strong moments and notable aspects, but it didn't quite deliver on its promises for an emotionally rich interpersonal experience. While the production showed potential, it left some audience members feeling like it lacked the finessing necessary to fully realise its vision or perhaps was slightly ahead of its time.
Despite this, the Australasian Dance Collective should be commended for their ambitious and innovative approach to integrating AI and dance performance. They demonstrated an exciting willingness to push the boundaries of what's possible on stage, and it's clear that their bold experimentation will continue to pave the way for exciting new developments in the dance world.
Don't miss out on Lucie in the Sky, as the show will only run for a limited 7-day season at QPAC, ending on May 13th. Book your tickets now to secure your spot before it's too late. Follow the link here to purchase:
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