Overworld

Arts House presents Sarah Aiken’s and  Rebecca Jensen’s Overworld as part of Dance Massive. The performers combine dance, singing and speech elements to explore how our unlimited access to information devalues its sanctity and value. The juxtaposition of popular culture and new-age spiritual tropes features predominantly as well as absurd pointed digs at using the internet to find fame and fortune. ART Wilson’s (aka Andras Fox) sound design is nuanced and Rose Connors Dance’s set and lighting design is perfect for the epic space. The greatest strength of the show is how the performers encourage the participation of the audience. The audience meets their elemental leader (determined by their star sign), is given an item of clothing and is then later invited to dress their leader in any way they choose. Each performer is inclusive and facilitates a genuine connection between themselves and the audience. While the work flows well it is difficult at times to determine how each of the parts relate to the whole. The performance, nevertheless, successfully manages to toe the line between the genuine and the satirical. Indeed, one leaves wondering if they should risk the faux pas and ask with how many grains of salt we are meant to take the work. This isn’t necessarily a bad thing however.