Choreographer: Wayne McGregor
Wayne McGregor’s Deepstaria aims to transport audiences to the vastness of space and the depths of the ocean, offering an expansive meditation on humanity. It opens with two small, vulnerable bodies set against an imposing black square backdrop, immediately establishing a sense of scale and contrast.
Rather than following a linear narrative, McGregor seeks to evoke ‘the experience of living’. His signature choreographic style is fluid yet with hints of resistance, creating an ever-morphing physicality. The dancers’ constant shapeshifting provides a hypnotic façade, but beyond the surface, the work lacks a clear sense of purpose as it never quite transmits why this world is being explored or why in this particular way. The thematic coldness of space and deep-sea environments translates into the mechanics of the movement, making it difficult to form an emotional connection with the performers. However, there are subtle changes in pace and moments of striking imagery, particularly when hands and bodies undulate like jellyfish.
The production’s most compelling element is Theresa Baumgartner’s lighting design, which astounds with its technique and world-building abilities. A deep, immersive blue floods the stage, evoking the ocean in a more visceral way than the choreography itself. The use of a wide strobe spotlight, a softly ‘breathing’ light, and sci-fi-inspired colour palettes create a dynamic and ever-shifting landscape.
Nicolas Becker and LEXX’s sound design leans into abstraction, layering distorted everyday noises (such as a gas stove igniting, a pinball rolling, and fabric tearing) to create a sense of alienation. Rather than functioning as a traditional score, the soundscape enhances the work’s atmosphere by framing the movement with an unsettling intimacy.
Ilaria Martello’s costume design subtly reinforces the production’s themes. The initial black ensembles highlight the mechanics of the body, while later white costumes suggest a shift towards human connection. Most striking are the translucent, jellyfish-like garments, which extend the performers’ movement into an ethereal, floating state.
For those unfamiliar with McGregor’s signature style, Deepstaria offers a very watchable introduction to his distinctive approach. While it may not fully deliver on its conceptual ambitions, the production remains a visually and sonically interesting experience.
Runs until 2 March 2025
