‘Light beyond hell ’
With Orpheus, Alan Lake delves into the heart of the human
experience — a poignant journey that reveals the redemptive power of art.
The myth of Orpheus has inspired countless artists since Antiquity — sculptors, painters, poets,
musicians, and filmmakers. Choreographer Alan Lake follows in their footsteps with a symbolist narrative that subtly weaves together myth and modernity. This dance of shadow and light explores the winding paths of doubt, loss, and above all, life. It resonates as a powerful metaphor, reaffirming that the true essence of our humanity emerges when we face the unknown.
A story that reflects the complexities of modern existence while celebrating humanity’s transcendent ability to bridge divides and heal wounds. In a world consumed by division, conflict, and isolation, this new creation serves as a potent reminder of our innate human yearning for unity and understanding.
Here, the performers act as beacons of hope, inspiring the audience to cultivate a deeper sense of empathy and connection with one another. We are reminded that amidst the chaos and turmoil of the modern world, unity remains the most powerful force for positive change. We must move forward.
Duration: 70
minutes
Choreography:
Alan Lake in collaboration with the performers
Performance: Josiane Bernier, José Flores, Jean-Benoît Labrecque, Jo Laïny Trozzo Mounet, Danny Morissette, Odile-Amélie Peters, Esther Rousseau-Morin
Original music: Antoine Berthiaume
Lighting design: Chantale Labonté & Achille Martineau
Set design: Alan Lake Factori[e]
Scenography collaborator: Vano Hotton
Props fabrication: Janie Gagnon
Scenic painting: Coralie Dansereau
Rehearsal direction: Eve Rousseau-Cyr
Technical direction: Achille Martineau
Stage technician: Claudio Castillo
This project was made possible with the financial support of the Ville de Québec, the Conseil des arts et des lettres du Québec, and the Canada Council for the Arts.
Co-produced by:
Carré 150 – Espace culturel de Victoriaville.
Created in part during residencies at: Les Grands Ballets Canadiens, Compagnie Marie Chouinard, Circuit-Est Centre Chorégraphique, CCOV/Théâtre Lab2m, and Carré 150 – Espace culturel de Victoriaville. We are deeply grateful for their support.
Special thanks for their support: CCOV, La Remise Culturelle, Théâtre du Trident, Maison pour la Danse, and Brent Belsher.
Press reviews
Le Devoir:
“A visceral and powerful reinterpretation of the Orpheus myth, where the body
becomes ritual.”
https://shorturl.at/PT8Dg
Le Soleil:
“Alan Lake quenches our thirst for poetry.”
https://shorturl.at/rvb4GDg
Mountain Lake PBS:
“A hypnotic modern reimagining of an ancient myth, full of striking visual
metaphors and deeply expressive movement.”
https://shorturl.at/b56bc
Kino Culture
Montréal:
“An immersive choreographic fresco, both raw and poetic, that stirs the senses
and the unconscious.”
https://shorturl.at/SrxrC