Icarus

In this captivating touring dance performance, Artistic Director and Choreographer, Alice Marshall, drew inspiration from the renowned Greek myth of Icarus, the boy who dared to fly too close to the sun. Collaborating with Rob and Matt Vale of the digital art company Illuminos, Marshall skilfully brought this timeless tale to life on stage.

Centred around the narrative of Icarus, the son of Daedalus, an inventor ensnared in the construction of a labyrinth by King Minos, the performance delved into themes of over-ambition, ignorance, and recklessness. The storyline intricately unfolded, highlighting the poignant and intimate relationship between father and son.

A fusion of multi-media elements, including light, sound, animation, and contemporary dance, added an extra layer to the performance, enriching the depth of the narrative. The digital animations seamlessly interacted with and responded to the choreography, creating a symbiotic relationship that transformed imagination into a tangible reality.

The climax of the show revealed an awe-inspiring final scene—a moment of soaring ambition, where fear and doubt were replaced by a resolute pursuit of desires. The profound message, "Never regret thy fall," lingered in the minds of the audience.

This work showcased the innovative integration of digital projection to create illusions of height and weightlessness, demonstrating the reciprocal influence between imagery and choreography. The collaboration with digital artists Illuminos brought a unique dimension to the production, showcasing the synergy between technology and artistic expression.

Premiering at Déda and funded by ACE, the show embarked on a successful tour, captivating audiences at Buxton Pavilion Arts Centre, Brewhouse, Lincoln Drill Hall, and The Point. The performance's resonating impact and seamless synthesis of artistic mediums underscored its status as a memorable and thought-provoking exploration of the Icarus myth.