Photo by Stefan Dotter for Dior
Harbourfront Centre presents the Canadian premiere of Chapter 3: The Brutal Journey of the Heart by L-E-V. Created by Sharon Eyal and Gai Behar, this dance work is sensual and hypnotic. The pulsating movements feel simultaneously restrained and thrilling.
As both a symbol of our emotional yearnings and the beating, muscly reality of our bodies, the human heart is represented in all aspects of this piece.
The costumes are an aesthetic highlight of the production. Designed by Maria Grazia Chiuri (Christian Dior Couture), each is adorned with delicate inkwork patterns and a bright red heart popping from the left chest. The body tattoo effect of these flesh-toned, decorative leotards is very convincing.
The dancers’ motion is ceaseless, throbbing in constant adaptation. The overall impression is that each of these figures is attuned to the others, but must eternally recalibrate to stay in touch.
Ori Lichtik’s music has a similarly relentless, constantly shifting quality. From the warmth of human voices and familiar instruments, it morphs into cool and eerie synthetic tones. The transitions are so gentle and fluid, each new vibe feels part of a natural continuum.
The steady, persistent, ever-evolving spasms of Chapter 3: The Brutal Journey of the Heart have an intensely visceral cumulative effect. It’s a deeply compelling experience.