IMAGINE PLACING YOURSELF IN THE MIDDLE OF NOWHERE…

By Char XO | Memoirs & Musings | Press Invite

Imagine placing yourself in the middle of nowhere, where it’s just you, your mind and a thin piece of wire. The thin piece of wire takes your body weight, your thoughts and that is what Corps extrêmes (Extreme Bodies) is about.

Showcasing at the iconic Sadler’s Wells last week, Corps extrêmes used the simplicity of sound, a rock climbing wall that allowed for projection and a rope dangled between two points to express how incredible the human mind and body is. The rope was almost symbolic for the connection between mind and body.

“Originally Corps extrêmes manifests the desire, expressed by Rachid Ouramdane, to be “really focused on the fascination triggered by the wish to take-off, to drift, a state of weightlessness, a suspension…” Two emblematic accomplices who dedicate themselves to the practice of extreme sports – a highliner and a climber – are on stage, far from their habitual playgrounds, with eight acrobats.

Gifted for lightness, often circling, this extraordinary community of freedom lovers – of which the members incarnate in different ways the Icarus dream in today’s world – evolve between the sky and the earth; an impressive climbing wall at the back of the stage as a main press hold. A long rope crosses high above, the stage sometimes transforms into a huge screen, on which images are projected of magnificent natural landscapes – great vertigo – with the athletes in action.”

The play begun with an insight Rachid Ouramdane replaying moments from his childhood with with an insightful voiceover.

With the musical score of Jean-Baptiste Julien in the background and increasing pace at moments throughout the play, the athletes then come out and you are treated to an intense hour of athleticism with a theatrical twist.

“Rather than giving in to the facile attraction of virtuosity, the piece endeavours to give rise to an existential – even metaphysical – dimension, flirting with the void. Simultaneously anchored in reality as well as heading for a dream world, both intimate and bigger than life, the performance sheds an artistic lighting on a far from the ordinary human experience.”

This is your sign to let go, find a hobby or outlet that works for you (perhaps it’s theatre), and book a ticket to Corps extrêmes (Extreme Bodies).

Photo Credit: Pascale Cholette