RITUAL by Twisted Element Co blurs the lines of dance, theatre and interactive art.
For RITUAL, audience participation is not optional. The performance blends elements of dance, theatre, and interactive art to create a unique and immersive experience. By involving the audience directly, RITUAL challenges traditional notions of spectatorship and pushes the boundaries of performance art, plunging viewers into the performance, where every individual has a unique experience of the piece.
Angela Hamilton’s choreography is meticulously crafted to evoke both unease and fascination. Performers execute precise, robotic movements with unwavering focus, creating an atmosphere that is both captivating and unsettling. Moments of extended stillness heighten the surreal quality of the show. The dancers reveal their training through subtle displays of technique, from extended periods on relevé (standing on their toes) to articulating long intricate sequences of sharp, controlled movements. Their deadpan expressions punctuated by moments of fake, imitated joy heighten the uncanny valley, evoking unease and intrigue. Although there were many iconic and powerful moments, a few brief lapses – such as mistimed synchronisations and unfinished costuming – detracted from the impeccable attention to detail and full immersion into the performance. Improvements to the synchronisation would have further perfected the eerie atmosphere. Nonetheless, the performers’ execution of the robotic and meticulous choreography was mesmerising.
From the moment the audience arrives, they are gently eased into the mandatory participation. Ushers introduce the gestures that will be used throughout the performance – sit down, stand up, spread out, and move to the room’s edges. Gradually, the performance begins. In one section, the dancers silently pass around dough. With this, they guide the dough between participants and performers, building the layers of symbolism and interaction to the piece. This simple act of passing an object becomes a powerful metaphor for trust, cooperation, and the ease with which people can be led to participate in group activities without questioning their purpose. Although the ushers contribute to the sense of being herded, their directions were sometimes unclear, momentarily disrupting the immersion. The dancers’ interactions with the audience gradually intensify, culminating in the dancers leading the audience into a full-blown rave. Throughout, the line between audience and performer becomes increasingly blurred. Spectators find themselves guided through a series of actions, from simple gestures to more complex interactions. Hamilton crafts this gradual escalation of involvement to draw the audience deeper into the world of the performance, culminating in a collective experience that is both thought-provoking and emotionally compelling.
For those who value detailed and allegorical choreography, Hamilton does an excellent job satisfying this expectation. However, there is some uncertainty if general audiences would find the same level of appreciation as a trained eye would. Regardless, the smiles and buzz from the audience is evident that the performance is deeply enjoyable, largely attributed to the strong sense of immersion. Besides, who doesn’t love a dance party?
RITUAL by Twisted Element succeeds in crafting an experience that transcends traditional performance boundaries, inviting the audience to become an integral part of the art itself. RITUAL‘s strength lies in its ability to create a shared experience that lingers in the minds and memories of participants. By challenging the audience’s expectations and comfort zones, the piece invites reflection on the nature of social dynamics, conformity, and the power of collective action. The performance reminds us of the origins of dance and theatre — a communal ritual that resonates long after the final beat. It’s a reminder of the power of art to unite, provoke, and celebrate, leaving everyone with a shared sense of wonder and, that everyone can experience the spontaneous joy of a dance party.
