Pilobolus Shadowland
by profhill9 on 10/5/16Valley Performing Arts Center - NorthridgeA beautiful, moving, funny evening like nothing I've seen (except I've seen it literally dozens of times since I worked on it)
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A beautiful, moving, funny evening like nothing I've seen (except I've seen it literally dozens of times since I worked on it)
Shadowland is really an amazing show to see. Through out it I just kept saying...how do they do that? Visually stunning and audibly entertaining as well. 5 star show!
I have always enjoyed Pilobolus for their quirky and innovative style. This show did not disappoint! It had a story to go along with the dancing and artistry that maximized the use of light, shape and props.
I am a very long term Pilobolus fan though it's been a really long time since I've had a chance to see them in performance (so I was excited for this opportunity). I guess they come to Durham every year for this dance festival, but I'm just visiting the Triangle. They are great dancers & the performance was definitely innovative--multi-media, off-beat narrative. I thought the first 1/4 was unfocused & a bit tedious. Then the story picks up, but I found it disturbing--about a little girl (perhaps in a dream/nightmare) touched by a giant hand (hand of God?) which transform her into a dog-girl. She goes thru a number of experiences, most very unpleasant, in which she is ridiculed, forsaken, cruelly mistreated & her life endangered. I attended the "family matinee" where lots of small children were present, & wonder how they reacted? It was more uplifting at the end & I felt somewhat better about it. Overall, very mixed.
The first time I saw Pilobolus was in a small university venue 38 years ago in St. Louis. That and every performance all I have seen since have been amazing. There has been a considerable transition in the overall vocabulary of their presentation in these many years, but the base of fluid, seemingly effortless motion has remained a solid foundation for the artistic expression. The shadow play was a surprise to me, as I was not aware of their recent work in this area. I found that part of the presentation to be emotive, and well integrated with the dance choreography. The bonus was the story told, without using any spoken words. It was clear, creative, evocative, it even made me cry, and throughout I was amazed by the motions of the dancers.
Amazing. My 14 year old son was riveted for 90 minutes. A feat not often accomplished by art :-) Really recommend everyone see this performance. Great for all ages and tastes.
I was not quite sure what to expect, but this was the most beautiful performance - moving, tugging at the heartstrings, energetic, making me laugh and constantly sitting with a smile of awe on my face. So much talent and beauty - this show is not to be missed.
too many gimmicks, the shadow play got old rather quickly
Absolutely loved seeing Pilobolus' Shadowland. It was magical! Always a pleasure to see this dance company in action.
We have seen Pilobolus 4 or 5 times and they are always amazing. This show did not disappoint. None-stop for one and a half hours. Humor, technique, lighting, story, all fantastic. The only thing I would change is the volume of the music--I ended up using earplugs!!
Pilobolus has always presented phenomenal work and this show was no exception. Very well done. Everyone should see this troupe at least once.
"Shadowlands" is an absolutely amazing production. If you have the chance to witness it, do not hesitate. Just go. You will not regret it. I was, alternately, surprised, overwhelmed, curious, fascinated, amused, overjoyed and always engaged and extremely well entertained. In the end, I was reduced to tears of joy. Just go. Go.
I've seen Pilobolus before when it came to Fort Lauderdale at Parker Playhouse., so I was excited to share the experience again with my sister. However, this time I wasn't pleased at all.. I was disappointed. I expected more shadow dancing and better transformation skits. It seems as though every skit had someone dying in it at the end. they only had one happy scene, and even that wasn't that great Sad to say I was turned off from going to see another Pilobolus event ever again
I was so thrilled to be able to see this amazing performance! The dancers were perfection. The chorography was demanding and exiting. GO AND SEE THIS SHOW!!
Unfortunately Pilobus had only two excellent moments (first ans last ones). The rest is a compillation of non-related to the show videos and unrefined clowneries. Really boaring!
Pilobolus has been wowing audiences, and me, for years, and this show's dance troupe was no different. I've had the luck to see them several times over the past few decades, starting in the 80's in NYC. Their work is genius. The creativity of each piece is top notch. Stunning strength of the dancers, combined with incredible control of their bodies leads to amazing displays of smooth dance movements and well as exciting pieces. Adding to their expertise of dance is a high tech knowledge for conceptual art, or shadow pieces, which are always fun and amazing. You need to see this dance company at least once in your life.
I have seen several of their performances, I love this group, specially their creativity. Before this one, I saw them 7 years ago, and not sure when they changed but in every act now there is some kind of sexual reference. As I said, I love the group and I took my girls (6 & 8 years old) to see this show. My 8 year old was asking me if it was appropriate for them, since the "costume" of the girl in the first act did not covered enough. She was topless. Some of the references they probably didn't get, I just don't really see the need for it. I still think it is a show to recommend, but not for kids if they continue to go this route.
A wonderful, magnificent performance, just like the one I saw 40 years ago.
i have wanted to see Pilobolus for a very long time. Last time they were irn Broward the performance was canceled. This time I got tickets early and looked forwad to the performance. Hated the music, did not at all enjoy the cacophony of music nor dance. The first number was the only one I found interesting. You can not fault the strength and body movements, however the entertainment quotient was very low in my perspective. The good news - I no longer have to worry about securing tickets if/when they come back to town.
Amazing, exceptional show that leaves you panting: these guys defy the laws of gravity with such natural ease that you wonder why you could not do the same! The performance is full of humor and poetry. A must!