Until March 10, creation inspired by René Daumal’s latest novel Mount Analogue comes to life at Espace Go. Behind this proposal, we find Wynn Holmes choreographing, directing and co-writing, who was surrounded by author Clara Prévost and Hubert Tanguay-Labrosse to musical composition. Free interpretation of Mr. Daumal’s unfinished proposal, Mount Analogue takes us on a journey that is both emotional and spiritual.
In a refined setting, with a few platforms here and there, replaced by an aerial metal structure, before the start of the show, a few punk-looking performers sit down. Subsequently, it is the turn of the only actor in the play, Jean-François Casabonne, to make his appearance and, without words, to challenge us, through his facial expressions and his movements. The other artists then begin large walks in space. We quickly feel that dance and bodies will take an important place in the show.
A mysterious mountain that no one has been able to see to this day, but which is full of the highest secrets of spirituality. This is the journey explained by the actor, who then plays a mountaineering guide. Then live music and the magnificent voices of Ballet-Opéra-Pantomime (BOP) come on stage. Convinced of the existence of such a mountain, it is thanks to the publication of an article on this subject that the passionate mountaineer falls once again into his obsession with finding a non-existent place.
Thanks to his confidence, he convinces scientists, linguists and artists of all kinds to go on an expedition to this summit on a boat named The impossible. It is thus the strength in numbers that is shown and the fact of believing together in a better, accessible future. Finally, to believe in the power of the mind over reality. We sense from the start the philosophical aspect of the adventure and the reflection on infinity. I also detected a certain questioning about the meaning of life and what each person is ready to sacrifice for the unknown, for a promise of the best.
A truly multidisciplinary proposal
For 75 minutes, we follow with conviction the six dancers, six musicians and the touching mountaineering guide on their crazy journey. Despite some initial reluctance, we feel that the characters are finally embarking body and soul on this adventure. The adventure of a lifetime. Although they speak little, we quickly become attached to the performers and the relationships that are created between them, which are born before our eyes. We connect with them through the body and movements. Indeed, the moods they experience, at the same time as their difficult journey, the bonds that are born, the anger or even the relief, all these emotions are translated by movement and dance.
The music and vocal harmonies made before our eyes, by the characters themselves, also add to the connection with the audience. The purity of the voices and their intermingling with the moments of the story and the moving bodies create moments of beauty, sometimes electric, sometimes touching. Finally, the decor and the lights enhance everything, lightly, but accurately. Everything is created before our eyes, without artifice, and with great authenticity.
For once, a multidisciplinary show lives up to its name very well since each art is at the same level and takes the same place, without having to force it. Indeed, there is clearly a narrative framework, magnificently carried by Mr. Casabonne, a clear story to follow which leads to reflection; sounds, voices, music that surround and support each moment; and finally movement and dance to embody the emotions, to go through the different sensations of this impossible journey. A sensory and spiritual exploration that is good to see and feel.