Urban Distortions is a unique show combining music and visual arts. It features performances from the French-Belgian dance group t.r.a.n.s.i.t.s.c.a.p.e and local Vietnamese talents.
With mixed art performances from an array of talented artists from France, Belgium, and Vietnam, Urban Distortions arrives in Saigon for the first time at the classic Municipal Theatre. Dancers and musicians performed inside large bubbles and glass blocks, symbolizing the outgrowth of modern cities.
In 2003, art director Pierre Larauza and choreographer Emmanuelle Vincent formed the dance company with a focus on incorporating dance with visual arts, named t.r.a.n.s.i.t.s.c.a.p.e. The pair creates stories through choreographed pieces, leading to the concept for Urban Distortions. With a notable background ranging from individual projects to visual arts and cinema, Pierre has a lot of experience under his belt. Similarly, Emmanuelle holds the title of a famed choreographer whose works have been featured in many popular art exhibitions worldwide.
From Washington to Beijing, and Tallinn to Lisbon, the two creative directors are adamant about featuring local musicians and dancers to emphasise what they call the ‘hybrid nature of the show’. The show provides a sequence of scenes where dance choreography, music and visualizations simultaneously come to life on stage.
The uniqueness is portrayed through the avant-garde style visuals. Strange scenery is present on stage with inflated balloons in the shape of water drops and giant glass squares trapping the performers inside.
Urban Distortions explores the struggle between the human sense of territory and the need to welcome foreign cultures in urbanised societies. The show raises the question, what is a living space and how do people share it with outsiders?
Photo credit: Ngo Tran Hai An
www.transitscape.net/urban-distortions
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