Bliss
About the show
Black Moon Theatre Company presents a new multi-disciplinary show inspired by 'The Tibetan Book of the Dead.'
'Bliss' chronicles the journey of consciousness during the interval between death and rebirth (Bardo). Director René Migliaccio’s production is a visual and poetic dance/theater odyssey within the mind of an individual striving to awaken to a higher consciousness. The show features an actor living the text of the Bardo alongside a Butoh dancer manifesting as his supra consciousness on the path to liberation. An original score fuses ambient music and accents of sounds and voices, and projections immerse the audience in the symbolic dimension of dreams.
"'Bliss' might well be just what you’re looking for if you’re in the mood for wild storytelling infused with highly stylized dance and drama...It ventures into many thought-provoking concepts including the denial of death, the accumulation of power in one's lifetime, as well as our obsession with the culture of youth. No, this is not for the lighthearted...This is not a show that would be everyone’s cup of tea. However, for you adventurous souls...check it out." Full Review
"One feels that they’re intended to abandon the words and simply absorb everything that comes. Charlotte Colmant’s dance is always energetically full and beautiful...All individual design elements sink pleasantly into the inexorable, meditative flow of the piece. Yet the authority of this flow is questioned…Perhaps this gentleness is where the production falls short…It's a peaceful experience, certainly, but perhaps not an enlightening or personal one for the viewer." Full Review
"So devoted to its own particular notion of the sublime, so in love with its distinctly mandarin style, that entertainment is never a possibility; indeed, it seems not to have even been considered…The entire enterprise feels undone by its unwillingness to toss even the tiniest bone to the audience. The projections are often quite beautiful, and the lighting is equally accomplished. But staring at a scrim for a full hour can wear one down, especially if so little is happening behind it." Full Review
"Had there been a way to exit I would have done so after 5 minutes, instead I was trapped in this vocal hell...Everything is done so slow and so badly it is agonizing. One hour seemed like an eternity. Only the projections or the art work by Estella Dupree had any merit. Even the music by Amaury Groc was mediocre. This is a must-skip unless you want to be in purgatory." Full Review
See it if You'd like to see meditation done exquisitly. If you'd like to see what The Tibetan Book of the Dead is all about. Beautifully staged.
Don't see it if You're not interested in meditation or spirituality. Or uncomfortable with nudity. This is not your standard boy meets girl bliss.
See it if you're into meditative, philosophical, text-heavy experimental performance
Don't see it if you need clear character-driven linear narrative.
See it if You're familiar with The Tibetan Book of the Dead. It's an interesting interpretation (a little to literate for my taste but A for effort).
Don't see it if youre not a fan of performance art. Especially if you don't have any previous knowledge of the Tibetan Book of the Dead.
See it if if you are interested in the Tibetan Book of Dying.. how the soul leaves and how it reincarnates, very thought provoking piece
Don't see it if If you aren't interested in issues around dying. Performance art with only one individual speaking
See it if Enjoy art, appreciate human body and experience, like to be challenged
Don't see it if Offended by nudity, expect big climax, want comedy
See it if You are interested in creative living (and dying), Buddhism, performance art, different and intelligent theatre.
Don't see it if You're offended by nudity, afraid to deal with the subject of death (you should get over this), looking for meaningless light entertainment
Cast & Creatives (10)
Play a fun game
Get alerts about your favorite artists and theater companies
