Review: Human Measure (Canadian Stage / Cassils)

Human Measure, presented by Canadian Stage, brings together internationally acclaimed performance artist Cassils, with contemporary choreographer Jasmine Albuquerque, to create a work that immerses audiences into a live photographic darkroom inhabited by dancing bodies wearing nothing but knee pads. Washed over by a dim red light, six trans and non-binary performers develop what is called a cyanotype throughout the forty-five-minute performance in response to Yves Klein's paintings titled Anthropometries (1960). Through the performance, they question current narratives surrounding trans bodies and personal expressions of sensuality and empowerment in a time marred by anti-trans legislation and discrimination.

I have always been fascinated by the work of Yves Klein and the deep blue hue he is associated with. His work Anthropometries (1960) was created through using naked women as 'human paintbrushes' in an elaborate performance before an audience. Klein directed the women as they covered themselves in paint in his patented colour, International Klein Blue, and created imprints of their bodies on the canvases.

In a brilliant response to this, Human Measure also creates a piece of visual art in front of an audience. This time, they create what is called a cyanotype while utilizing contemporary dance movement during the performance and its creation. A cyanotype "is a slow-reacting, economical photographic printing formulation sensitive to a limited near ultraviolet and blue light spectrum" (like the header photo). The cyanotype is developed in a bright blue hue similar to the Klein patented colour. This visual art piece is created live with the cast of six trans and non-binary performers (including Cassils) to challenge and reflect on different beliefs of trans bodies in a time where they are often questioned, threatened, and ignored.

Through the development of the cyanotype being created live on stage, there is a range of different movement sections. At times solo performers move in agony as they spasm and grip their bodies. At others, they are a part of an ensemble, moving with the same intense energy, yet their anguish is expressed through synchronized and captivating contemporary choreography. A recurring motif of performers lying still on the floor, barely visible to the audience in different fetal and folded positions is later revealed to be when they are posing for the cyanotype.

One of the most memorable movement sections brings the cast into an intense and unfaltering walk from stage left to right, entirely in sync. The space is dark other than a strip of red light in the center which encases a single dancer. This dancer is seamlessly swallowed or forgotten by the group walking past, left alone only for the amount of time it takes for the group to walk back to them before leaving another dancer alone in their place.

Part of the show’s production is an intense flashing light from photographic strobe instruments which may not be appropriate for people with photosensitive epilepsy or other light sensitivities (Canadian Stage warns of this, although I feel I should as well. All show warnings are pasted in the notes below.*). This is done to create a unique experience in which an afterimage is seared into the audience's retinas for a few seconds past the time of the flash, in turn creating an ephemeral mental photograph for audience members.

I will also note that, as the program states, the piece is purposefully designed to be challenging to see. I did not read this programme note before watching the show and did have a few sections of time where I could not see what was happening. The auditory experience is enough to keep you engaged, yet of course, I wish I could have seen the entire performance visually as well. I would highly recommend grabbing a seat in the front row for this show.

Overall, this piece is a unique performance as audiences are made to feel a part of an immersive experience through the creation of the cyanotype before their eyes. Human Measure is Cassils’ first venture into performance art through dance (with previous work in film, sound, photography and sculpture), and I very much hope it will not be their last.

Human Measure, presented by Canadian Stage, is playing until October 29, 2022, at the Berkeley Street Theatre (26 Berkeley St). Tickets are between $30 and $79, with discounts for students, arts workers and Trans and non-binary community members. Tickets are available online here.

*Please note that this performance contains nudity, dim lighting, loud sounds, and strong flashing lights from photographic strobe instruments that may not be appropriate for people with photosensitive epilepsy or other light sensitivities.*

For more information:

CanadianStage.com Twitter and Instagram: @canadianstage Facebook: @cdnstage

Cassils.net @cassilsartist

Photo provided by Canadian Stage.

Written by Deanne Kearney
DeanneKearney.com @deannekearney