The Butterfly Who Flew Into The Rave @ Summerhall
The Butterfly Who Flew Into The Rave is an artful rejection of the stylised image of the underground party scene
Rave aesthetics have been resurfacing throughout the mainstream media, presenting the public with a heavily idealised perception, but this performance is a forceful reminder of the chaotic and messy reality of a three-night party. Accompanied by Nocturbulous Behaviour by Suburban Knight, the music and visuals combine with high-energy movements to produce a glimpse of a true rave experience. It is both a nod to the unhinged, and a reminder of the sheer physicality and endurance required.
The performance is choreographed and performed by Oli Mathiesen, Lucy Lynch and Sharvon Mortimer. The three present a dynamic spectacle personifying the unrelenting nature of rave culture. They incorporate a range of different dance styles such as voguing and popping, which interweave throughout the consistent base movement of the classic techno two-step. The choreography cleverly incorporates these movement styles as an acknowledgement of the culture of LGBTQ+ and Black communities, who have crafted and maintained these underground scenes.
The dancers are enslaved to the music, exhausted, sweating and overwhelmed but seemingly unable to stop as the music keeps layering and changing, forcing the dancers to change pace and keep up rhythm. It is a ritualistic performance, and the dancers are transformed throughout the show. They begin with impeccable concentration, focus and synchronicity, then move through a dark and oddly sensual floor scene, reminding the audience of the carnality of rave culture. Culminating in scenes of organised chaos and exhaustion, each dancer moves slightly more independently with wilder actions before regrouping.
The Butterfly Who Flew Into The Rave is a performance of transformation and determination. It is a sneak peek behind the sticker-covered cameras of the clubs of Berlin and New York, and a sweaty love letter dedicated to a wonderful and addictive cultural phenomenon.
The Butterfly Who Flew Into The Rave, Summerhall (Main Hall), until 25 Aug, 6.05pm, £10-17