We had a more chill second DarkMode this March with projectors set up, but it was pretty cool to focus on smaller themes with a smaller group of people. What happened in this version was less anime, weird LEDs, and instead chose more “traditional” performances to project onto the walls.
It’s interesting how different the psychological effect is when the screens are less “square” and dancers appear all over the space on top of graffiti and equipment instead of a big white rectangle. We got chills down our spines projecting the classic “Revelations” by the Alvin Ailey Dance Company.
What happens when the performer is the center of the light projection? When he or she or they become like Japanese spirits, or kami inhabiting the spaces of a hackerspace?
Some folks presented some Balinese gamelan puppet performances “Balinese Puppet Theater with a Twist.” In this age of hyper comfortable home and movie theaters, it felt more like being told a mystic tale over a village campfire.
We would like to also bring more involvement with the dance community, and viewing dance at SudoRoom! There is something special about watching Odissi performed by the talented Sujata Mohapatra on the walls we usually weld, solder and program in.
What happens when your hackerspace becomes the stage in itself and absorbs the spirituality of the dancers before you?
Alvin Ailey is soooo good!