Wayne McGregor's 'Deepstaria' Dives Into Oceanic and Cosmic Depths

The 75-minute contemporary dance piece at Sadler's Wells uses innovative lighting, AI-generated soundscapes, and fluid choreography to explore themes of isolation and connection.

Inspired by the deep-sea jellyfish Deepstaria enigmatica, the performance evokes the mysteries of the ocean and outer space.
Vantablack Vision, a light-absorbing material, and Theresa Baumgartner's striking lighting design create a visually immersive stage environment.
The AI-assisted soundscape by Nicolas Becker and LEXX evolves with each performance, adding unpredictability and atmospheric depth.
The choreography blends McGregor's signature hyper-extensions with moments of human vulnerability, though some critics found it emotionally detached.
The standout scene features dancers in translucent costumes mimicking jellyfish, creating a mesmerizing interplay of movement and light.