Infra a new ballet by Wayne McGregor.
Score by Max Richter. Set by Julian Opie.
I’ve just managed to catch this tonight on BBC iPlayer (link — the ballet itself starts at about 29:30). It’s simply sublime an moved me to tears.
The choreography is beautiful, athletic, and graceful. Typical McGregor motifs of jerky shoulders and locked hips are interspersed with wonderful sweeping movements. The pinnacle comes towards the end when a female dancer breaks down in tears in the middle of a crowded stream of strangers.
Max Richter’s score is a revelation. Samples of short-wave radio combine with string quintet and piano in an ethereal blend of old and new. Absolute perfection.
The stage is dominated by a massive video installation by Julian Opie. Simple silhouettes of men and women walk across the stage with a smooth, languid, gait. Serene and unaffected by the turmoil and emotion performed beneath they walk on unaware. Uninterested.
These three elements, choreography, score & set, combine to create an incredibly moving experience. Infra, preceded by a behind-the-scenes look at it’s creation is available on BBC iPlayer until Saturday 29 November. Even if you think you don’t like ballet or dance this has to be a must see.
