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Christopher House’s boldest and most personal work to date, Nest takes the audience on a journey through the creative labyrinth. Surprising, ironic, audacious and deeply moving, this full-length work finds its inspiration in the history of ideas and the worlds of science and art. Among its many themes, the concept of Programmed Cell Death serves as a metaphor for the workings of the creative mind, the films of Kenji Mizoguchi and Peter Greenaway are evoked to show how ideas build on ideas, and a pile of filthy oven racks illustrates the pleasures of serendipity.

Drawing on over twenty years of choreographic exploration, struggle and discovery, House has developed his themes with consummate skill. Nest uses voice-over text by House and a brilliant sound design by Phil Strong to amplify its unusual movement ideas. The work also benefits from a breathtaking scenic environment by James Robertson. Suspended bags of goldfish reflect light like fireflies, while gigantic swags of felt and a stuffed coyote evoke the art and mythology of Joseph Beuys. The Beuys “multiples” are quoted throughout the piece, while a version of his Felt Suit plays a central role. Performed by House and TDT’s superb dancers, Nest is a uniquely inspiring piece of dance theatre.

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