Best Visual or Physical Theatre Production, 2008 Helpmann Award

Honorable Mention in the Hybrid Category, 2009 Prix Ars Electronica

"Mortal Engine is an undeniably thrilling work, extraordinary to look at and exciting in its sense of possibility" – The Guardian

"If the technology was impressive, the flesh and blood dancers were outstanding" – The Herald, Edinburgh

"The effect is terrifying, beautiful, unique and absolutely unforgettable" – The Metro, London

Created by Chunky Move

Following Glow, another groundbreaking creation that has amazed and delighted international arts festival audiences

Under the leadership of master choreographer Gideon Obarzanek, Chunky Move has created an array of distinctive and highly acclaimed contemporary works. Mortal Engine, one of the group's latest cutting-edge ventures, has swept international arts awards with its innovative blend of state-of-the-art technology and movement that offers a new way of viewing dance.

The dance-video-music-laser piece utilises sophisticated interactive computer systems which, combined with the performers' movements, trigger video projections, lights, sounds and laser images to portray an ever-shifting, shimmering world. Executed on a tilted platform, the dancers appear to defy gravity, inextricably intertwined in moments of confrontation and intimacy. The result is a poetic, sensory experience that explores relationships, connection and disconnection, isolation and togetherness, and the struggle to go beyond one's bodily limits to escape inner darkness and desire.

The intriguing work has been put together by a wide-ranging collection of artistic talents under the guiding hand of Obarzanek, who won two Helpmann Awards in 2008 for Mortal Engine and Glow. The interactive system design is the invention of Frieder Weiss, who is also the creator of the EyeCon and Kalypso video motion sensing programmes widely used in the arts field. Adding to the excitement are the striking laser effects by Robin Fox, along with the music of Iceland-based composer Ben Frost, acclaimed as "the future of electronic music".

A thrilling work that pushes the boundaries of artistic experience.

Chunky Move | Founded by Artistic Director Gideon Obarzanek in Melbourne, Australia in 1995, Chunky Move has earned an enviable reputation for its daring, challenging, distinct yet unpredictable brand of genre-defying dance performance. As described by Manchester Evening News, the company creates works "with a hard-edged impact and design originality that makes them particularly memorable". The company has created a number of works for the stage, site specific and new media, and installation work. The company has also created critically acclaimed and popular larger productions for touring. Recent international engagements include the UK, The Netherlands, Germany, Spain, Mexico and the USA.

Photos: Andrew Curtis