Lunar Halo: Dancing in the Age of AI

Cloud Gate Dance Theatre’s “Lunar Halo” unveils the very essence of human physical expression, compelling us to reassess our identities, as well as the intricate relationship between humanity and technology, in the age of AI.

Sense of Wander: ★★★★☆

Cloud Gate Dance Theatre’s “Lunar Halo” explores the primal physicality of human body, delving into the timeless theme of humanity's dance with technology. Image courtesy of Cloud Gate Dance Theatre.

TAIPEI, Taiwan — Have you ever looked up at the moon suspended in night sky and felt a sense of longing towards it?

Since ancient times, the moon has held a special place in the hearts of Chinese speakers, weaving its magic into the very fabric of their culture. The waxing and waning of the moon are often compared to the ebb and flow of life’s emotions, mirroring the themes of love, loss, and reunion.

Among the countless tributes, “Water Song” (Shui Diao Ge Tou) by the poetic giant of the Song dynasty, Su Shi’s (1037-1101), stands out. In this much admired masterpiece, the moon transcends its celestial form, illuminating the depths of our soul.

This is why, when the Cloud Gate Dance Theatre brought “Lunar Halo” (毛月亮) to the stage this spring, it wasn’t just about the moon encircled by a halo; it was a tribute to the rich cultural tapestry woven around this astronomical phenomenon.

A lunar halo, also known as a moon halo, emerges when moonlight dances through hexagonal ice crystals suspended in thin cirrus clouds, casting a luminous ring around the moon. Typically observed at a 22-degree angle, this celestial spectacle sparked a fascination in Cheng Tsung-lung, Artistic Director of the Cloud Gate Dance Theatre.

According to historical text, “When the moon halo appears, the wind stirs.” This ancient wisdom associates this astronomical observation with impending change on the horizon. It also sets the stage for what Cheng aims to explore in his dance production, “Lunar Halo,” premiered in 2019.

With “Lunar Halo,” Cheng delves into a pressing modern dilemma, addressing the timeless enquiry: to what extent should we integrate technology in our lives? How do we, as humans, navigate our relationship with it? Let’s join Cloud Gate on a journey to untangle this intricate dance of humanity and technological influences, and explore whether we can find the answers we’re seeking in the age of artificial intelligence.

Cloud Gate’s “Lunar Halo” displays a spellbinding interplay of humanity and technology. Image courtesy of Cloud Gate Dance Theatre.

The opening scene of “Lunar Halo” captivates the audience with a mesmerising display, where dancers intertwine in serpentine motion, evoking the double helix of DNA. Image courtesy of Cloud Gate Dance Theatre.

The performance unfolds with a group of dancers, intertwining with one another, undulating like a serpent in perfect synchrony. It’s a mesmerising display of unity and motion that took my breath away. I couldn’t help but associate this serpentine motion to the double helix of a DNA strand — our very genetic blueprint that defines the essence of who we are.

In solos, duets, or group performances, the dancers onstage displays a strong will to break free from invisible constraints, shedding the polished dance sequences etched into their bodies over the past decade to unveil the raw, primal core of their physicality. Each movement, from the flex of muscles to the draw of breath, resonates in its purest form. For the audience, it’s akin to witnessing a sacred rite within a tribal community. As individuals evolve within this collective, the intricate dynamics of human interaction come to the fore, giving rise to conflict and war.

“I want to dig out the wild nature inside human beings. The flow of body rhythm. The impulse,” says Cheng. “… I try not to show ‘dancing,’ but just go with the flow.” Cheng’s approach differs from that of Huang Yi, who, while also exploring the relationship between humans and technology, is known for his intriguing dance with robots onstage.

Perhaps this is why the dancers’ movements, combined with the imagery on the screens, evoke a sense of unease. What’s shown on stage is not merely a choreographed performance, but a revelation of how energy, as well as the essence of our being, course through our bodies, manifesting in a myriad of physical forms that crouch, sway, tremble, quiver, twitch, flinch, and writhe. It’s as if the body has transcended its limits, unafraid of appearing unedited and unpolished, in pursuit of an ultimate truth.

In “Lunar Halo,” the audience is treated to a spectacle that blends digital and physical human bodies onstage. Image courtesy of Cloud Gate Dance Theatre.

Midway through the performance, a towering screen descends beside the stage, illuminating an image of a still, naked man. “Is he human?” I pondered, the question beginning to dissipate as his barely perceptible breaths cause his chest to rise and fall. I couldn’t help but see this enigmatic figure, seemingly flattened on screen, as a poignant symbol of humanity being cultured and tamed by the digital realm.

Lost in thought, I notice the man’s body parts had been cut and stylised, transforming into motifs on the screen. The dancers onstage, knowingly or not, seem to engage in a dialogue with the digitised rendition of the man. This begs the question: in a future where everything is at our fingertips, do we still need our physical body?

This augmented reality experience is the result of a collaboration between Cloud Gate and Wang Yisheng, recipient of the World Stage Design Award. By putting on a scene of several interconnected screens, which at times project the distorted shadows of the dancers onstage, the boundary between virtuality and reality is blurred.

Cheng’s collaboration with the Icelandic band Sigur Rós to craft music specifically for this dance production is often mentioned by journalists and critics. Though I didn’t pay much attention to the music, its ethereal quality undeniably enriched the overall production.

As “Lunar Halo” unfolds before me, I’m compelled to ponder: What will become of dance in a world brimming with cutting-edge technology, especially with the emergence of artificial intelligence emerging in this competitive landscape? Will dance retain its relevant? And if so, what role can it play in these advanced interactions between humans and machines?

Just as the moon waxes and wanes, so it’s time for “Lunar Halo” to come to an end. In the final scene, we witness a poignant spectacle: interconnected screens, woven together like fabric, slowly descending from the lofty ceiling towards the dancers below. Though they never make contact with the performers, they continue their descent until they reach the ground, where the dancers vanish into the dark.

Some may interpret this as a pessimistic metaphor, suggesting that technology, though created by human, will eventually surpass its creators. But I see it differently: it’s a testament to our unwavering optimism, as we always manage to find a way out, even in the face of adversity.

“Lunar Halo” culminates with a powerful final scene, compelling the audience to reassess their identities and the intricate relationship between humanity and technology in the age of AI. Image courtesy of Cloud Gate Dance Theatre.

Cloud Gate Dance Theatre presented "Lunar Halo" at the National Theatre in Taipei, Taiwan from March 7 to 10, 2024, as part of the 2024 Taiwan International Festival of Arts (TIFA).