In a bold and emotional performance, choreographer Sung Im Her's '1 Degree Celsius' calls for a climate reset through a powerful dance piece. Her work, presented at the Southbank Centre's Kunsty performance series, is a response to the pressing issue of climate change. The show begins with a solo prologue, where the choreographer enters a barren stage in silence, slowly unfolding her body. This individual transformation sets the stage for a collective one as the choreographer is replaced by six dancers, initially burdened by the world's weight. The dancers' movements veer from inertia to a sense of vulnerability, mirroring the plight of polar bears on shrinking icebergs. Mio Jue's costumes, incorporating scraps of silver, give the dancers an air of resilience amidst a dystopian landscape. The performance gradually builds, with Husk Husk and Lucy Duncan's score transitioning from a spectral, hopeful atmosphere to a pulsating rhythm as the intensity rises. The dancers' movements are not just about physical endurance but also about learning and supporting each other, as they raise their arms in release, shedding fear and embracing joy. Young Uk Lee's lighting design further emphasizes this switch, encouraging the audience to take action and let go of their fears. While the performance has a gnomic coda and a cool, restrictive atmosphere, it ultimately conveys a powerful message of resilience and the need for a collective climate reset.
