Celestial bodies

Celestial bodies

At Joburg Theatre for Celestial bodies, a collaboration between Joburg Ballet and Universe on Stage. I was so excited for this.

The execution was stunning, better than in my imagination. I saw the Universe on Stage lecture earlier in the year, it was such an experience! Dr. Luca Pontiggia and Yasheen Modi simplified science, it lost its fear factor, it wasn't intimidating. With the help of animation, immersive sound and curated narration, they told the story of the big bang, black holes, stars and existence itself. I really loved that lecture, I learned so much.

The Universe on Stage team is back again, this time with Joburg Ballet. The auditorium pitch black, huge screen at the back, the stage empty and Yasheen, the pianist is on the side. Dr. Luca Pontiggia comes in and out the stage.

Impossible to describe the beauty of the ballet dancers. They feel, they show vulnerability. So much poise, technique and beauty. Perfect bodies without a blemish. Stretching, 180 degrees splits in the air, skipping and spinning on their toes. So much elegance, discipline and strength and yet there is a stillness and serenity in the artform. It evokes awe and wonder, you get goosebumps, you gasp - so beautiful.

The costumes by Mari Robinson and Mario Gaglione are so gorgeous!

Lighting design by Simon King set the mood, engulfed by darkness. So minimal effective and power. It concentrated all your energy and focus to the stage.

Darius Botha is the unsung hero with the awesome visuals and animation.

Yasheen Modi just might be the greatest Pianist of all time.

Dr. Luca Pontiggia is brilliant as the narrator. We learned about the big bang, stars and the beauty of the universe.

Thank you so much Di.

Congratulations Mario Gaglione and the whole team for a great show and a deserved standing ovation.