Opus Cactus is a breathtaking performance that fuses theater, dance, and acrobatics to create an unparalleled spectacle. The show is inspired by the natural beauty and diversity of the American Southwest, with its cacti, deserts, and canyons serving as visual and metaphorical motifs throughout the piece. Created by the world-renowned dance company Moses Pendleton's MOMIX, Opus Cactus has been performed across the globe, captivating audiences with its singular fusion of movement, music, and scenery.
At its core, Opus Cactus is a celebration of the human body's capacity for expression and physicality. The performers in the show twist, bend, and stretch their bodies in seemingly impossible ways, conveying emotions and ideas through mesmerizing choreography. While there is no traditional narrative arc to the performance, each sequence tells its own story through the interplay of lighting, sound, and motion. Indeed, the mesmerizing coordination between the performers and the lighting and sound design often feels like a few choreographed characters acting together on stage.
Part of what makes Opus Cactus so thrilling is its use of props and costumes. Whether it's dancers adorned in intricate desert flora-inspired designs, or acrobats bouncing on giant inflatable balls, simple objects are transformed into tools for storytelling. For example, in one sequence, performers use ropes to simulate the movements of a snake, creating a vivid representation of the power of the animal kingdom. Similarly, giant fans create a sandstorm-like environment, evoking life in the harsh Arizona desert.
Audiences who attend Opus Cactus can expect to be transported to another world – one that celebrates the richness of Southwestern culture while showcasing the astounding capabilities of the human form. More than just a theater performance, Opus Cactus is a true artistic and athletic feat that bridges the gap between dance, acrobatics, music, and science. In essence, it is an interdisciplinary masterpiece that stands as a singular tribute to the beauty and complexity of human life.