What is infinity? I don’t think anyone truly knows. But what is Infinitum?  A visual spectacle that dares to ask the question anyway.

Infinitum is a selection of pieces choreographed by Faye Rauw and directed by Melissa Major.  In it, five women (I almost want to call them “corporeal beings”) question the idea of infinity through dance, aerial silks, multimedia and monologue.  A sixth woman, clad in black, lurks in the shadows ready to impose her influence on them.

The five women are clad in nude bodysuits, and settle down, it’s not sexual.  I believe it’s to indicate that they are blank slates, open to this concept of infinity.  As the show progresses, they put on individual costumes and branch into unique styles of dance (tap, acro, contemporary).  When five people consider such a big question, they’re bound to come up with five answers.

Dance actually seems like the perfect medium to explore this concept.  Infinity, whatever it is, can’t be reduced to a monologue or a piece of paper.  It encompasses physical space.  Part of me worries that I might not quite “get” what Infinitum is trying to say, but I do get that the show is ambitious and I thought it was very enjoyable.  If you, like me, get a little fuzzy on the metaphysics, you can still enjoy the physical abilities of the performers.  The six women involved are amazing to watch with strong technique, and each is given a chance to display their technique in a particular dance form.

If you miss the chance to see Infinitum at the Fringe, they will be doing a full-length production in the fall.  I am definitely interested in seeing where else this show can go, so I’ll see you there!

Details: 

Infinitum is playing at the Annex Theatre, 720 Bathurst Street, Toronto. 

Showtime: 55 min.

Tue, July 12 4:45 PM 434
Thu, July 14 5:45 PM 448
Fri, July 15 2:15 PM 453
Sun, July 17 5:15 PM 469

– Individual Fringe tickets are available at the door for $10 ($5 for FringeKids), cash only.
– Latecomers will not be permitted.
– Tickets are also available online at fringetoronto.com, by phone at 416-966-1062 or in person at The Fringe Tent (behind Honest Ed’s). Advance tickets are $11 – $10 + $1 convenience fee.
– Money saving passes are available if you plan to see at least 5 shows.