Figures in Extinction" Debuts: A Dance Exploration of Climate Crisis and Human Disconnect
February 22, 2025
The final section, Figures in Extinction 3.0, contemplates the connection between the living and the dead, integrating diverse musical elements and poignant choreography that reflects on both personal and planetary extinction.
This collaborative dance work is the brainchild of choreographer Crystal Pite and theatre director Simon McBurney, focusing on the climate crisis and its profound effects on nature.
The first section, Figures in Extinction 1.0, evokes empathy for extinct animals through a combination of human movement and haunting imagery, resulting in a deeply emotional experience.
In the second part, Figures in Extinction 2.0, the performance critiques modern society's detachment from pressing issues, showcasing dancers in business attire glued to their phones while exploring the tension between rationality and intuition.
Figures in Extinction is described as a visually stunning and emotionally resonant work that challenges audiences to engage more deeply with the ongoing environmental crisis.
Enhancing the overall impact of the performance, the production features exceptional lighting design by Tom Visser and a blend of classical and contemporary soundscapes by Owen Belton and Benjamin Grant.
The performance, titled Figures in Extinction, premiered on February 15, 2025, at Aviva Studios in Manchester, and consists of three distinct sections that delve into themes of extinction and human behavior.
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The Guardian • Feb 22, 2025
Figures in Extinction review – Crystal Pite and Simon McBurney’s impassioned response to the climate crisis