Momix - Lunar Sea

Published Thursday 9 October 2008 at 15:30 by Gavin Roebuck

Momix, named after a brand of cattle feed, is neither dance nor circus nor gymnastics but has elements of all these. This American dance theatre company, directed by Moses Pendleton, evokes another world. With the expressive body shapes created by the 11 performers, they create a vibrant and almost surreal, dream-like show.

In Lunar Sea, by using black light theatre techniques, the 11 dancer-illusionists in fluorescent costumes seem to float and fly magically, unbound by the laws of gravity. The performers morph into one another and also become amazing creatures in an underwater visual spectacle. Jellyfish and sea horses combine in the first half, with scenes featuring glowing orbiting planets and interesting shapes created by the performers.

In part two there are several clever items - a flock of birds flying out of a lunar crater, a carnivorous spider which gives birth and is later comically consumed by another, and a sensual duet.

The 18-track electronic music of at times New Age sounds and waveform compositions goes well with the other-world atmosphere created on stage.

The curtain call saw each artist perform their own trick to massive applause from the audience.

Good fun and suitable for all ages, Momix’s Lunar Sea is fantastic physical theatre.