Unstructured Light  |  Performances 2005

Sidera Herculana - In the Tracks of Hercules

Unstructured Light was commissioned to create a dance-theatre work set to the music of composer Kerry Woodward who created a score to the subject material of Alice Bailey's "The Labours of Hercules".

The musical score formed the foundation of the production which focused on the labours and was then linked with interludes, created by UL, representing the birth of each zodiac sign from the constellation.  These two parts were then fused using narrative, sculptures and paintings, laser lighting and other effects to create a process which was inspiring and enchanting.

In her book, Bailey explored how each labour relates to one of the signs of the zodiac.  The first - the Capture of the Wild Horses - relates to the sign of Aries and reveals the destructive force of the intellect when it is not motivated by love.  The second labour - the Rescue of the Cretan Bull - relates to Taurus and describes the need for emotion and desire to be transformed into aspiration and spiritual will.

The progress round the wheel of the zodiac continued until Hercules became spiritually triumphant as a world saviour in Pisces with his final labour - the Capture of the Red Cattle of Geryon.

This performance represented the culmination of a multi-media event which took place throughout the day and included the exhibition of paintings and sculptures, classical and jazz music quartets, lectures on specific labours and their metaphysical significance, a comedy based on Hercules and a number of other activities.