A Small Prometheus

Overview

Of the crop of locally commissioned works featuring at this year’s Melbourne Festival, one sure to get attention is experimental dance piece A Small Prometheus. It is the brainchild of choreographer Stephanie Lake, known for her work with cutting edge companies such as Chunky Move and Lucy Guerin Inc, and audiovisual artist Robin Fox, also a Chunky Move veteran (eg. Mortal Engine 2008) and recently responsible for installing a giant theremin on Southbank.

Taking its name from the Greek myth about the immortal who gave fire to humanity thereby sparking civilisation, the show exploits the creative potential of fire in a very direct manner. The performers dance even alongside fire-powered kinetic sculptures: mobiles that move in response to the heat of live flame. Lake’s choreography will blend into freeform movement as the dancers interact with the machines, which also generate music as they move. A celebration of creativity, A Small Prometheus seems sure to be as mesmeric an experience as looking into a candle flame.