The Kaleidoscopic Ballet that is ‘Tree Of Codes’

Sydney Festival is always a blast. In an era marred by Casino Mike’s lockout laws, every January the city is doused in culture and fun in a month-long fiesta and post NYE hair-of-the-dog. And, of the hundreds of events on offer, the pick of the bunch just might be Tree of Codes.

Tree of Codes is a contemporary ballet like no other. Performed by Company Wayne McGregor, the eye stretching performance has been choreographed by Wayne McGregor, tinkered with by installation artist Olafur Eliasson and scored by electronic composer Jamie xx. With a crew like that calling the shots, it’s no wonder this isn’t your standard dance recital.

Whoever brought these three together should be both commended and mentally assessed – they are a maniacal genius.

“★★★★★ EXTRAORDINARY. SOMETIMES, FIVE STARS ARE NOT ENOUGH” – The Independent

The original Tree of Codes is an artwork by Jonathan Safran Foer. A work about which he says, “I took my favourite book, Bruno Schulz’s Street of Crocodiles, and by removing words carved out a new story”.

This reinterpretation of Foer’s haunting and experimental novella is visually striking and, in the best way, totally overwhelming. It is a medieval feast for the eyes and the ears, and is relentless in its sensory bombardment.

“Jaw-dropping… with breathtaking physical feats and visual dazzle” – The New York Times

If you’re imagining an intoxicating and mind-expanding trip to the theatre, you’d be right. It’s hectic, in the best kind of way.

Tree of Codes appropriates Koer’s enigmatic verbiage and translates it into physical movement, light, and sound. Described as an “exhilarating mash-up of dance, visual art and electronic music, performed by soloists and 10 dancers”, the performance is as much about the techno soul soundtrack and the ocular impulses as it is the human body.

Tree of Codes is showing at the ICC Sydney Darling Harbour Theatre January 6, 7, 9 and 10. Having premiered at Manchester International Festival, it will move to Melbourne after Sydney.