Chunky Move

"Mortal Engine" is a dance-video-laser performance using movement-responsive video projections to portray an ever-shifting, shimmering world in which the limits of the human body are an illusion. It features specially composed music by Ben Frost, one of the most thrillingly visceral musicians working today, whose collaborations range from Wayne McGregor/Random Dance to Bjork and Brian Eno. Working in unison with a video tracking system, lasers follow and 'play with' the movement of the six dancers.

Frieder Weiss' unique software makes it possible for instruments and bodies that generate light, video, sound and movement to respond to each other in real time.

"Mortal Engine" has no pre-rendered video, light or laser images - the production flexes according to the rhythm of the performers. Under the artistic leadership of Gideon Obarzanek, this show from Chunky Move, one of Australia's pre-eminent dance companies, has toured to Mexico, Germany, Spain, the USA and was a highlight of the 2008 Edinburgh International Festival, receiving an 'Honourable Mention - Hybrid Art' at the prestigious Prix Ars Electronica - widely regarded as the most important international award for creativity and pioneering spirit in the field of digital media. It was also awarded Best Visual/Physical Theatre Production at Australia's Helpmann Awards.

Praise for "Mortal Engine"

' "Mortal Engine" is an undeniably thrilling work, extraordinary to look at and exciting in its sense of possibility.' (The Guardian)

'If the technology was impressive, the flesh and blood dancers were outstanding.' (The Herald, Edinburgh)

'There are many words you could use to describe "Mortal Engine", but perhaps the most fitting is a simple "WOW".' (The Scotsman, Edinburgh)

'Mesmerising.' (The New York Times)

Praise for Ben Frost

'Simply awesome... Frost reminds us that minimalism was never just the polished sheen of Reich and Glass, but also the sweat and grime of Michael Gira's Swans' (Wire)