Alejandra Álvarez, Senior Editor, Multi-Arts
TRIPTYCH, photo by Maarten Vanden Abeele, Peeping Tom Gabriela Carrizo and Franck Chartier,
Founders, photo by Virginia Rota, Peeping Tom
A raw, brutal approach to the fragility of the human psyche is the central element of “Triptych”, by the Belgian dance company Peeping Tom. The masterful oeuvre that illuminated the stage at Palais Garnier during the first week of June.
During its 120 minutes, three provocative and absurd stories develop before a captivated audience, seamlessly connecting and building upon each other. "The Missing Door" sets an intriguing and violent tone, drawing viewers into a world of enigma and suspense.
This tone is then intensified at sea during the second act, "The Lost Room," where the setting becomes a ship, allowing the characters to navigate a storm of complicated emotions and confrontations. Finally, everything culminates in the literally watery setting of a restaurant in the last act, "The Hidden Floor," where the boundaries between reality and illusion blur, unveiling the depths of the human mind, as water continues to trickle, splash, and pour onto the stage.
This mise en scène is a beautiful combination of dance, theater, and music. In this production, these three disciplines dialogue with each other in a tone that allows such a chaotic narrative to feel balanced. It is an enveloping experience that feels like a lucid dream, or nightmare. The scenography, elegantly arranged and disarranged for each act, is a fundamental part of the performance, as everything takes place in the intimate and enclosed context of a room, that changes shape according to the needs of the characters, who together and individually go through the feral experience of being a human being. One relevant detail that is worth noting, is that as part of the audience, you’ll have the wonderful opportunity of witnessing the change of the staging during the intermission. This little insight into the technical part of this performance reveals the huge amount of work and thought behind the stage design.
What makes “Tryptich” worth seeing is its ability to provoke thought and introspection. Prepare to be moved to your core as you embark on an emotional rollercoaster, where you will shiver, laugh, experience angst, sadness, rage, and anxiety, among other intense emotions. The characters are very easy to connect with, you’ll find pieces of their stories within yours, and you will become part of this universe of alternative realities. Like a winding labyrinth, the performance unfolds with twists and turns, dragging the spectator through its whirl of unexpected revelations.
Peeping Tom's commitment to visual excellence is evident in every frame, adding depth and richness to the performance, and ensuring that "Triptych" remains an unforgettable visual spectacle. This incredible performance will undoubtedly leave an indelible mark on all fortunate enough to witness its brilliance.