Skin of Fire Auckland Arts Festival Review

The world premiere of Groupe F’s Skin of Fire show took place last night as it lit up the Auckland Domain with a phenomenal display of fireworks, light, pyrotechnics, and projections as part of the Auckland Arts Festival.

The Domain was packed with people cosied up on rugs, cushions and chairs soaking up the glorious evening weather. Some pre-show entertainment added to the ambience before the main event, and as the sun set the moon put on it’s own impressive show. Then in the pitch dark a five minute clock projected onto the Auckland Museum counts us down to show.

Exploding into the sky almost immediately, we were treated to a visual and audible feast. Some ‘light people’ impishly made their way amongst the crowd and patted heads playfully and flames flashed from unexpected corners. The cast of the show continue to amaze with some infeasible stunts and excellent choreography.

The nearly hour long display is all set to a score of original music composed by the prolific American electro-acoustic composer Scott Gibbons. Created by artistic director Christophe Berthonneau, Skin of Fire focused on the human story, our environment and the impact we have on it. Included in this was a spectacular piece depicting the destruction of war along with commemorating the centenary of WWI. The excellent projections and animation made the Auckland Museum appear to become damaged by bombs and gun fire. A dramatic , haunting and emotive instillation.

During the 2012 Auckland Arts Festival Group F performed The Breath Of The Volcano and I think they have topped it with Skin of Fire.

Skin of Fire allows for a beautiful and expertly executed immersive experience that dazzles and entertains, as well as highlighting one of Auckland’s most iconic buildings. Completely mesmerizing.

Reviewed by Ingrid Grenar

SKIN OF FIRE is on at Auckland Museum until 7 March.

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