GIVEN that it's a mere five months or so since the final closing night party of the Kazimier, a New Year’s Eve etched with spectacular memories of pyrotechnics, space cadets and the epic battle against the forces of mediocrity on the cobbles of Wolstenholme Square, you may be wondering: "How on Earth can you follow that?".
Ground-breaking productions are what makes the Kazimier collective quite unique in Liverpool’s counter-cultural landscape
Well, for the uninitiated and those soon-to-be-illuminated, the torch of cosmic enlightenment has been kept well-primed and, like the light of Olympus, has made a leap of faith from its former home to be transformed into a brand-new venture - the Invisible Wind Factory on Regent Road, north of the Pier Head.
There, amongst the sprawling red-brick warehouses and post-industrial landscape, its aim is to serve as artists workshops, research facility, immersive performance space and Kazimier-inspired events - but what began as a squat in Ropewalks is now supported by Arts Council England.
The potential for growth is obvious through these winds of change since the venue is bigger, much bigger, than before. Cavernous even with a hint of womb-like darkness.
Much work has been achieved to upgrade the facilities and, on this preview launch night, we were treated to an introductory tour which explained the significance of the tuning-fork, the abstractions of the kinetic forces which created the invisible wind, the discovery of deep underground wells of cosmic flux and, last but not least, prepared us to enter into the chamber in which the Omphalos experience would take place.
The word itself means “the centre or hub of something” whilst in ancient Greek legend, it’s a conical stone like that at Delphi representing the navel of the Earth.
I have to be quite careful, here, not to be too descriptive but it’s best defined as an homage to the eternal forces of positive energy which act as the motive engine powering the IWF, involving a treat for practically all the senses within an octagonal stage in which the cosmic experiment is duly performed.
Briefly, there’s the spectacle of four enrobed human caryatids who use gestures to control audio, lighting and mechanical effects whilst chanting themes reminiscent of Laurie Anderson. Credit to Kazimier co-founder Sam Crombie for his original and highly individual score.
He says: “The Invisible Wind Factory programme will begin in a similar way to how The Kazimier began – a vessel for our own shows and unique events that feel special. Omphalos is our introduction, the first stamp on the space and will help shape it with some dramatic architectural changes. Like the early days of the Kazimier, we’ll be changing and adding to the building continually. Every event needs to be exceptional else we’re not adding anything to the existing cultural landscape.”
As the performance progresses, wifi-controlled costumes are shed to reveal new layers. Atmospheric special effects include mist, controlled fire jets, aural wind and, finally, a lift that gently drops performers down into a virtual Hades before re-emerging as the drum-beats of life, enlivening the show amid the strobe-lights and flashes of ephemeral discordant timbres.
A heady mix? Yes, of course, and that’s the essence of mystery and urban magic which the IWF deliberately wants to create as the leitmotif of its ground-breaking productions. It’s what makes the Kazimier collective quite unique in Liverpool’s counter-cultural landscape and, given that they’ve made a commitment to spearhead what could become a North Docks artistic renaissance, Omphalos is a memorable opening statement.
There are just a few opportunities left to experience Omphalos at the IWF this weekend.
Catch it while you and then you’ll be able to truthfully boast that you were there when it all began.
9/10
*Omphalos Eternal Energy runs nightly until Saturday May 22, 8pm. Tickets, £25, here
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