The Body in the Labyrinth

The relationship between the body and technology has been a recurring theme in contemporary dance, even before artificial intelligence, virtual reality, and digital realities reached the overwhelming impact they have today. However, the presentation of Gaïa 2.0 by Mickaël Six and the Bakhus company at the Avellaneda Hall of the National Theater of Cuba, as part of Francophonie Month, has allowed for a renewed exploration of this theme. The piece delves into the challenges of the emerging world with a combination of imagination and poetry that adds depth to its stage discourse.

One of the work's greatest achievements is its clear metaphorical language, which avoids excessive narration and focuses on creating striking images. The visual composition of the performance is uniquely beautiful, supported by carefully designed lighting and an intelligent use of bodies in space. Without relying on grandiose effects, the piece delivers a powerful message about human evolution and the role technology plays in our existence.

Another notable aspect is the economy of resources through which the staging achieves a visually captivating and conceptually solid spectacle. However, Avellaneda Hall, with its size and stage layout, may not have been the ideal venue to fully appreciate the performance. In a smaller theater, the experience could have been more immersive, allowing for a stronger connection with the dancer’s physicality and the subtlety of their movements.

One of the choreographic strengths of Gaïa 2.0 is the fusion of breakdance with elements of contemporary dance. The urban energy of hip-hop blends with a more abstract and fluid sensitivity, creating a balance that brings freshness to the piece. However, dance enthusiasts may have wished for a greater emphasis on movement, as at times the physicality took a backseat to the conceptual construction of the work.

Regardless, Gaïa 2.0 is a valuable exercise in stage exploration that engages with fundamental concerns of the present. Mickaël Six and the Bakhus company have created a piece that examines the impact of technology on human identity with sensitivity and visual power. The work, which has already been discussed in various media for its approach to transhumanism and the evolution of human beings in the digital age, reaffirms dance as a powerful vehicle for reflecting on the major issues of our time.

Translated by Sergio A. Paneque Díaz / CubaSí Translation Staff