By Claudia Barbieri

Inspired by the surreal world of Eugene Ionesco, the father of the theater of the absurd, the two-hour show takes the audience on an immersive journey, shifting in and out of multiple 3D computer-generated virtual realities. Richly visual, thanks to advanced CAD technology, and richly scored by the DJ Laurent Garnier, it’s brilliant when it works – at a recent performance the technology broke down in mid-performance, and Pietragalla herself wasn’t dancing because of an injury. In her absence, the former Paris Opera star dancer Clairemarie Osta played Derouault’s female foil. Together, they danced an extended set of white-wigged Andy-Warholesque duets with comic energy and grace.

So with this performance. Lovers of clear story lines, beware. Lovers of profuse imagination should enjoy the illusory polychromatic sets; flashes of genius in the costumes, lyrical moments and touches of near-slapstick wit. Spectacular, in the full sense of the word.

Read the full review here.

Grand Rex
1, bd Poissonnière
75002 Paris
www.legrandrex.com

Through March 29, 2014.

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