Dark Matter from Red Earth hits Sussex

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Brighton-based performance group Red Earth is set to wow the Festival crowds this weekend with a spectacular installation piece, Dark Matter. The work, an audacious attempt to cross the barriers of what we expect from 'performance' art, has been hailed as the likely centrepiece of the Festival. Involving ambient music, atmospheric lighting and the liberal use of fire, the piece will be performed in Stanmer Park.

Creators Simon Pascoe and Caitlin Easterbay are both alumni of Sussex, and both developed an interest in the arts during their time here as students. English graduate Caitlin was playing Titania in a SUDS production of A Midsummer Night's Dream when she met Simon, who was playing Oberon. The two formed a theatre company called Bright Red with other SUDS members after leaving the University.

According to Simon though, "We've moved a long way from the sorts of things we did with SUDS. We've turned away from narrative pieces and towards trying to create moments of sublimation...we hope that rather than merely suspending disbelief, like traditional theatre, we will be suspending reality."

Dark Matter aims to probe the relationship between alchemy and modern physics. Simon is struck by the similarity between modern astronomy's lack of knowledge about what constitutes the 'dark matter' of the universe, and the medieval alchemists' belief that the universe was created from an unknowable 'dark source'. The production, which will involve three performers, two technicians and two musicians, is set to be visually spectacular whatever your interpretation of the theme. Simon says "There is a pure visceral thrill to be had from bringing together all these materials. We are experimenting, and we are inviting the audience to experiment with us. It's a multisensory experience which transcends all normal preconceptions of performance. And it's a non-dangerous way of experiencing something really trippy."

Dark Matter will be performed from 14 - 16 May in Stanmer Park. Meet at the Gardner Arts Centre at 9.15pm.