Sylvain Émard’s company was back in theaters on Tuesday evening, as part of the relaunch of the Danse Danse program, at the Studio Théâtre in the Wilder Building. With Rhapsodythe talented choreographer breathes a strong dose of energy into our pandemic languor, offering us a jubilant dance that moves without downtime for 60 minutes.
Posted yesterday at 10:40 a.m.
Rhapsody is a show with accents of pagan ritual, a work that sometimes makes one think of the “musical” Hate, but in an electro-trance version and carried by a new generation in love with freedom.
To the sound of original and captivating music, signed by DJs Poirier and Martin Tétreault, under the magnificent lights of designer André Rioux, the cast of 20 performers perform collectively in the empty space. Sometimes, there are brief solo escapes, before quickly joining the group. There emerges from their performance a beautiful energy of the multitude of bodies, movements; but also a dull anguish of being absorbed by the crowd.
Sylvain Émard writes in the program of Rhapsody that he has always been fascinated by dance floors and fans of “raves” and nightclubs. “My desire is to capture the essence of these gatherings to better highlight what constitutes a form of pagan ritual, but rooted in contemporary life”, summarizes the choreographer renowned for his Grand Continental worldwide.
Besides, Rhapsody (which is unfortunately sold out this week in Montreal) is co-produced with three major cultural institutions in Mexico City. A tour could take place later, but dates are yet to be confirmed. Until then, lovers of contemporary dance and the work of Sylvain Émard can catch his new show via webcast. It will be available only live, on February 25 and 26, at 8 p.m. No possibility of recovery.