You might need a few minutes to unpack everything you feel after seeing Maria Caruso’s “Metamorphosis.”
What looks like a small intimate solo dance performance, actually hits the audience so deeply in a way that only high art can do. The one hour long solo performance has been carving its own place into the performing arts world, as it is not your typical dance show. It is an autobiography told through dance. Highlighting the important changes Maria has gone through in her life, whether by joy or pain.
Her performance is personal and incredibly visceral, to the point it cannot be reproduced by any other dancer, after all, it is Maria’s own story. Still, Metamorphosis gives space for the audience to create their own interpretation of what is shown based on their own experience, while safely seated in the theatre. It engages in such a way, that unlike any other show I have seen, most attendees actually wait and stay for the talk the ballerina and choreographer does after the performance.
That was the case in the West End’s Lyric theatre, in London. After a long off-Broadway run, Maria has taken her Metamorphosis internationally, finally ending the run performing to one of the most rigorous performing arts audiences, England. A challenge that was met with applause and very interesting questions and insights at every post-performance talk. And, as expected, the public sees the same transparency and vulnerability in her interaction with them as they can see in her dancing.
I had a chance to chat with Maria Caruso the day after the opening night, to hear a bit more about her experience with Metamorphosis, performing in England as well as her constant work to bring the body positive concept to the dance world.
Check out the video above!
