Infinitely Closer《无限的接近》
Synopsis
Could we draw infinitely closer to the crux of true freedom?
Man is born free, yet we also become increasingly restrained by the various labels of our identities, be it in finite, exacting, fluid, or imperceptible forms. How would the process of breaking out of these purported identities, of consciously choosing to inch towards the freeing truth, be? Is this heart of truth and freedom even within our human reach?
Man's search for his own authenticity, value, and raison d'etre becomes a persistent, dialogical struggle (a peculiar paradox, since we never know what life holds for us in its next moment).
In this process of seeking, perhaps what we need is to both establish yet challenge our own state of equilibrium, because the essence of this life lies in transcending what was deemed fixed, pushing through boundaries, and constantly rebuilding a renewed sense of self and stability.
Could freedom simply lie in our continuous work to uproot self-imposed restrictions, deep-seated social prejudices, and autocratic control?
Infinitely Closer《无限的接近》was commissioned by Esplanade's da:ns festival 2022, and marked the opening of Esplanade’s new Singtel Waterfront Theatre.
World Premiere: October 2022, da:ns festival, Singtel Waterfront Theatre, Esplanade – Theatres on the Bay, Singapore
Australia Premiere: October 2023, OzAsia Festival, Festival Theatre, Adelaide Festival Centre, Adelaide
Credits
Concept & Artistic Direction
Kuik Swee Boon
Choreography
Kuik Swee Boon in collaboration with the performers
Dramaturgy
Kok Heng Leun
Performance
Brandon Khoo, Ng Zu You, Klievert Jon Mendoza, Fiona Thng, Haruka Leilani Chan & Chang En from T.H.E Dance Company & Billy Kehavong (Guest Performer from Australia)
Rehearsal Assistant
Brandon Khoo
Understudy
Marcus Foo
Lighting Design
Adrian Tan
Sound Design & Music Composition
Kent Lee
Projection Content Design
SEESAW (Jay Lei & Jay Lee)
Filming of Projection Content
The Curious Pangolin & melonrock
Spatial Sound Design
Guo Ningru
Set Conceptualisation Design
Kuik Swee Boon
Costume Design
Choi in Sook
Projection System Design
Low Wee Cheng (Ctrl Fre@k)
Media/Audience Quotes
“A thoughtful and visually-gratifying collaboration of technology and...physically intense and impressive choreography to a world-class level.”
– Georgina Smerd, Glam Adelaide
“Infinitely Closer was an experimental masterpiece…”
– Celina Lei, ArtsHub AU
“Infinitely Closer is a superb example of contemporary dance performance and an OzAsia Festival highlight!”
– Dr Diana Carroll, FIFTY+SA
“Incredible set design, visually stunning lighting/holographic projections, energetic and compelling choreography, powerhouse performers.”
– Abbie Rebecca Machin, audience member
“The way the dancers move is astonishing. Undulating as naturally as seaweed in an ocean tide, they ripple in a constant rearrangement of shapes, making use of every joint, from their spines down to each finger and toe.”
– Megan Koch, InReview, SA
