Shadowland at the Peacock Theatre

After years of experimenting with shadows, resulting in the creation of an award-winning commercial for Hyundai, Pilobolus dance troupe have given birth to their latest conception – Shadowland. This is the first theatrical event of its kind to tour the globe, incorporating shadows, projected images, gymnastics and front-of-screen choreography in to an evening-length performance. Often imitated but never equalled, this innovative and unique theatre experience brings its joy to the Peacock Theatre at Sadler’s Wells this spring – trust us when we say, you do NOT want to miss it.

We are guided through the story of a teenage girl sheltered by her parents who drifts off in to her dream world (the “Shadowland”) in quite the Alice In Wonderland fashion, encountering centaurs, giant hand monsters and half-human, half-dog breeds along her surreal journey.

But it’s not so much the story that captivates us – it’s the transformative power of the shadows by the performers, the compelling use of lighting and sound that perfectly captures the dreamlike state of mind, the breathtaking athleticism of the dancers and the sheer originality and creativity of this production that leaves us open-mouthed in awe with our eyes fixed to the stage.

Before the troupe say goodbye, we are treated to a dazzling shadow performance of their journey from New York to London, which has the audience clapping along and grinning as we see the “dog-girl” being knighted by the Queen, whose throne then transforms into a drum kit on which she thrashes along to London Calling.

The memories of this performance are the ever-lasting kind that would be enough to entice you to come back and see it again and again. Pilobolus are true innovators of modern theatre.

 

Gemma Whitfield

Shadowland is at the Peacock Theatre until 30^th March 2014. For further information or to book visit the Sadler’s Wells website here.

Watch an excerpt from Shadowland here: