CRYOLUMIA
nytheatre.com review by Julie Congress
August 15, 2002
Giant blocks of ice,
chainsaws, and blow torches - oh my! Cryolumia is a dramatic
visual experience in which the aforementioned blocks of ice are cut
(using the aforementioned chainsaws) into much smaller blocks and placed
on a metal object resembling a demented hat rack, until it eventually
looks more like a modern-art tree. Various lighting effects are used and
at points the ice becomes most beautiful, almost magical looking, the
way the light is reflected through it. The drone of the chainsaws is
supplemented by new age music and swiftly moving, abstract multimedia
images are projected, creating an overall effect that is sometimes
eerie, sometimes lovely, but mainly monotonous. Is there a point to Cryolumia? Is it frivolous and self indulgent? Is it a good thing to be doing in the middle of a drought? You decide. Still, Cryolumia is a very interesting and striking visual piece, and for 30 minutes of free entertainment, there is nothing wrong with it.
