The ghost octopus lands on the stage as a scenic proposal that combines dance, narrative, and visual resources to bring the audience closer to the reality of the sea. The company Visual Dance creates a work that focuses on the fragility of marine ecosystems and the importance of looking at them with different eyes.
The montage is inspired by a small, almost transparent cephalopod observed in 2016 at more than 4.200 meters deep near HawaiiFrom this creature, the team builds a poetic journey that connects science, art, and consciousness. Its main objective is activate questions and promote daily changes.
A stage production that unites art and science
The dramaturgy intertwines the mystery of a little-documented species with a powerful message: Protecting the ocean is urgentThe work uses projections, animations and a precise use of light to create the sensation of being underwater, with moving backgrounds and textures that suggest three-dimensionality without losing the closeness to the dance.
This experience is designed for families and especially for children: accessible language, visual stimuli and careful pacing They promote a narrative that respects the intelligence of younger audiences. The scenography, inspired by traditional techniques adapted to the digital environment, generates reading layers for different ages.
Creative team and visual construction
The direction is in charge of Patricia MarÃn, at the helm of Danza Visual, with over a decade and a half of experience exploring familiar formats. Multimedia design is his signature. Ghiju DÃaz de León, which combines projections, animations and video mapping to transform the stage into an evolving seascape.
The lighting section, in charge of a specialized team, accompanies the choreography with contrasts and atmospheres that help tell the story without overwhelming the view. The production is supported by AM Productions, which has allowed us to perfect the technical part and maintain a coherent aesthetic line throughout the work.
Sound and music in dialogue with the scene
The musical composition of Rogelio Marin complements the dance and the imagery. It uses ambient ocean sounds, subtle rhythmic layers and textures that run through each sequence without overshadowing the performers. The premise is to accompany the action and discreetly underline key moments.
The integration of music, lighting and projection is fundamental to the final result: each element is calibrated to support the narrative and reinforce the ecological message that underpins the work. The overall goal is to evoke emotion, but also to offer clarity in its communication.
Story, characters and target audience
The story follows a ghost octopus that moves between corals and waste, already a human character, the carer, which symbolizes hope and shared responsibility in the face of pollution and overexploitation. The relationship between the two guides the viewer through scenes of the underwater world.
In addition to the mollusk and the caretaker, the stage universe incorporates emblematic species, such as brain corals and clownfish, which reflect the threatened diversity. Performers such as Anivdelab Ponce de León (as the octopus), Jonathan Alavés, Tlathui Maza and Heleni Castro take part in the scene, providing a precise physicality that supports the narrative.
Environmental actions and alliances
The project is developed in collaboration with Mar… is from Mexico and Santa LucÃa Foundation AC, initiatives that document the richness and risks of the sea in the national territory. Your participation contributes research and audiovisual material that nourishes the work.
Concrete gestures are also promoted: scenery includes recovered bags intended for recycling after the season, and information is also shared to encourage responsible consumption, water conservation, and ocean care. With the support of Culturally Responsible, the aim is to connect the scene with citizen actions.
Dates, venue and tickets
The show is presented at the National Arts Center's Arts Theater (Cenart), in Mexico City, with performances on Saturday, August 16 and Sunday, August 17, at 12: 00 14 and: 00 hoursIt's a short season with limited capacity.
Tickets cost 150 pesos and can be purchased at the theater box office or on the official website www.cenart.gob.mxIt is recommended to arrive early to facilitate access for children.
The scientific context of the ghost octopus
Nickname ghost octopus refers to a cephalopod with a translucent appearance due to its low pigmentation, sighted in 2016 at more than 4.200 meters in Hawaiian waters. The rarity of its habitat and morphology has inspired studies and dissemination in different latitudes.
The montage incorporates references to that discovery to address issues of Biodiversity, planetary boundaries, and ocean cultureThrough art, he poses a fundamental question: how we relate to the sea and what everyday actions we can take to protect it.
With a immersive aesthetics, an expert artistic team, and the support of maritime-focused collectives, the work offers an accessible entry into complex issues. It seeks to leave a lasting mark and promote intergenerational dialogue on the shared responsibility with the oceans.