French theater performance ascending literal and abstract dimensions, touching upon profound philosophical themes
In the heart of West Kowloon's Xiqu Centre, audiences are being drawn to a unique performance that induces a sense of vertigo - Corps extrêmes. This captivating production, directed by Rachid Ouramdane, the head of the Chaillot National Dance Theater in Paris, France, has been making waves in the performing arts world.
The show, which revolves around the reflections of a highliner, an acrobat, and a climber, is a mesmerising blend of video projections, spoken word, and a heady trip-hop soundscape by Jean-Baptiste Julien. It has been named "one of the best performances of the year" by The New York Times in 2023 and Best International Dance Show by the performing arts platform Recomana this year.
At the centre of Corps extrêmes is Ann Raber, an American climber hailing from Houston, Texas. With a background in gymnastics, Raber discovered climbing in her mid-20s and has since scaled heights all over the world. She is among the oldest women to have climbed a V13 boulder problem in Texas' Hueco Tanks State Park. In the performance, Raber performs climbing, but the most striking moments are when the team works together, leaping from the climbing wall and forming human towers.
Raber and Ouramdane were interviewed between rehearsals on a Thursday afternoon before the opening weekend. During the interview, Raber's formidable shoulders, a testament to her strength and determination, were hard to miss. Ouramdane summed up the performance's essence with the casual finality, "You can't fly if there's no one to rescue you."
The performance does not focus on the eye-watering stunts of extreme sports or the lone-hero-against-the-world narrative. Instead, it delves into the trust, support, and human connection that allows performers like Raber to climb as high as they do. The audience gasps audibly during moments when performers free dive into space, trusting their teammates to catch them.
While there is no specific information available about the theme of Corps extrêmes, exploring teamwork and human connection often involves depicting how individuals work together, support each other, and create a cohesive unit. This can be seen in other performances like *Ophelia’s Got Talent*, which showcases a collective effort among performers, emphasising strength and resilience through various artistic expressions.
Joining Raber in Corps extrêmes are American climber Ann Raber and Italian highliner Luca Chiarva, along with eight acrobats. The show is a testament to the power of teamwork and human connection, pushing boundaries and offering an unforgettable experience for audiences. If you're looking for a performance that will leave you on the edge of your seat, Corps extrêmes is not to be missed.
The stunning performance of Corps extrêmes, blending video projections, spoken word, and trip-hop soundscapes, is not only captivating the world of arts but also overlapping with the realm of sports, as it features acrobats, climbers, and highliners. As The New York Times declared it as one of the best performances of the year in 2023 and the Best International Dance Show by the performing arts platform Recomana, it's certainly a must-see for sports enthusiasts and art connoisseurs alike.
