Angelin Preljocaj is a name synonymous with visceral, thought-provoking contemporary dance. His works often delve into complex themes, pushing the boundaries of movement and narrative. Witnessing his double bill, “Helikopter / Licht,” at Théâtre de la Ville in Paris was an experience in contrasts, a journey from the mechanical to the ethereal. While both pieces held their own distinct power, it was the latter, “Licht,” and its symbiotic relationship with Laurent Garnier’s sonic landscape that truly soared, leaving an indelible mark.
“Helikopter,” the first piece, was a study in controlled chaos. Inspired by Karlheinz Stockhausen’s iconic composition for four helicopters and eight musicians, the dancers mimicked the mechanical precision and rhythmic pulse of these aerial machines. The choreography was sharp, angular, and undeniably striking, evoking a sense of industrial power and human interaction with technology. However, at times, the literal interpretation felt somewhat limiting, the dancers tethered to the specific sounds rather than fully transcending them.
Then came “Licht,” and the atmosphere shifted dramatically. The stage transformed into a canvas of subtle light play, and the air crackled with anticipation. This piece, a reimagining of Preljocaj’s 1993 work, felt liberated, more fluid, and deeply introspective. And at its very heart, pulsating with an almost organic life force, was the music of Laurent Garnier.
Garnier, a legend in the electronic music scene, didn’t just provide a soundtrack; he crafted an immersive sonic environment that became an inseparable partner to Preljocaj’s choreography. His score for “Licht” was a lesson in building tension and release, weaving intricate textures of ambient soundscapes with driving, hypnotic rhythms. Notably, Garnier masterfully incorporated elements from his own illustrious career, including the iconic I Need Your Lovin (Like the Sunshine) – N.R.G. Original Mix 1992 a remix of Everybody’s Got to Learn Sometime, by The Korgis. The inclusion of this track, with its uplifting energy and classic rave spirit, added a layer of nostalgic resonance, creating a fascinating dialogue between the contemporary movement and the echoes of dance music history. It wasn’t merely background noise; it was a character in itself, guiding the dancers’ movements, amplifying their emotions, and painting vivid pictures in the minds of the audience.
The brilliance of “Licht” lay in this profound synergy. The dancers, bathed in constantly shifting hues of light, moved with a newfound freedom, their bodies responding to the ebb and flow of Garnier’s music like leaves caught in a gentle breeze. There were moments of intense physicality, where the driving beats propelled them into powerful bursts of energy, followed by passages of delicate grace, where the ambient sounds underscored their vulnerability and introspection. The unexpected yet perfectly placed surge of “I Need Your Lovin” injected moments of pure, unadulterated joy, a vibrant contrast to the more ethereal passages, showcasing the breadth and depth of Garnier’s musical palette.
One particular sequence, where a solitary dancer moved through a slowly changing spectrum of light to a melancholic yet hopeful melody, was breathtaking. It was a perfect marriage of visual and auditory poetry, a testament to the power of artistic collaboration. Garnier’s music didn’t dictate the movement; rather, it inspired it, creating a dialogue that felt both intuitive and deeply resonant. The subtle integration of a familiar classic like “I Need Your Lovin” within this contemporary context further amplified this resonance, creating a bridge between past and present.
While “Helikopter” offered a fascinating exploration of a unique soundscape, “Licht,” fueled by the genius of Laurent Garnier and the evocative inclusion of tracks like “I Need Your Lovin (Like the Sunshine),” transcended mere choreography. It became an experience, a journey into a realm where movement, light, and sound intertwined seamlessly to create something truly captivating. Garnier’s contribution wasn’t just a highlight; it was the very soul that illuminated Preljocaj’s vision, elevating “Licht” to a level of artistic brilliance that lingered long after the final notes faded. If you have the opportunity to witness this double bill, prepare to be intrigued by “Helikopter,” but be ready to be utterly mesmerized by the radiant beauty of “Licht” and the undeniable magic of Laurent Garnier’s sonic artistry, complete with its surprising and delightful nods to his own iconic past.
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