Black and Colour

When the lights begin to blink off one by one,plunging the world into an inky blackness,it’s time for the magic folk to wake up and begin their merry dances. Mermaids,monsters,musicians,bees,butterflies and birds — all the characters from a child’s dreams — have come alive in a theatre show called Black Light Theatre at the Kingdom of Dreams in Gurgaon. For once,children (and adults) can visit their dreamworld while they are wide awake.

The genre of Black Light Theatre is said to have originated in Asia but was perfected in Prague. The show at the Kingdom of Dreams involves 12 actors from the Wow Theatre in Prague. The specially created auditorium is a pitch-black box,the colour of the world when you’ve fallen asleep. To the sound of lilting music,the darkened stage transforms into a riot of colour with fluorescent fish and strange human forms,their dances a feat of flexibility. Every detail is in colourful shades and shapes,including a headless man who is defined only by his shiny torso. Despite the lack of a narrative,the images evoke basic emotions,including fear — giant spiders that crawl down the stage to “attack” the audience.

Bringing alive the dreamworld requires a synergy of technology and artistry. The stage is covered in swathes of black cloth,and only the shiny costumes are highlighted by the UV lights. The play of pyrotechnics against this black background creates a stunning,dramatic visual treat. The 30-minute-long performance ends with giant balls descending on the audience,even as fluorescent bubbles cover them from every side.

Black light Theatre is being held at the Kingdom of Dreams in Gurgaon till January