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created by Melissa Major, choreographed by Faye Rauw

The Cheshire Unicorn, Toronto Fringe Festival,

Annex Theatre, Toronto

July 7-17, 2011

Infinitum consists of excerpts of a larger dance work to be presented this fall. Even in its unfinished state, it’s fantastic. To the live music of the electric string orchestra Dr. Draw, the show blends modern dance, spoken word, clown, song and circus skills like contortion, acrobatics and aerial silks to create a fascinating exploration of the idea of infinity.

The action proceeds from the statement “According to the laws of infinity, anything you can imagine is there.” Five of the six performers enact the evolution of single cells to human beings in a rapid Escheresque pattern. A sixth sphinx-like performer leads the other five to find separate identities. The performers’ depiction of the universe’s progress from uniformity to unlimited differentiation is simply dazzling.

©Christopher Hoile

Note: A version of this review appeared in NOW Magazine, July 14, 2011.

Photo: Katelyn McCulloch. ©2011 The Cheshire Unicorn.

For tickets, visit www.fringetoronto.com.