Review: OPHIS at The Great Hall

TranscenDance Project is starting off the new year by offering an invitation into the unknown with a remount of their intoxicating interactive production of Ophis. Taking over the multiple rooms and floors of The Great Hall, audience members are invited to don a mask and follow along as dancers tell the story of Medusa, the once beautiful woman who was raped by the Gods and then cursed with snakes for hair and a gaze that would turn men to stone. 

As with other TranscenDance productions, the story takes place throughout the floors of The Great Hall including Athena's Temple on the main floor and Sarpedon in the basement. Upon entry, audience members are given a sealed invitation and asked not to open until called to do so. The invitation details where you will begin your journey. As various parts of the story are performed in dance throughout the venue, your experience of the tale will be disjointed. It is therefore beneficial to brush up on the tale of Ophis before the performance.

From there you are free to roam around the venue to ascend into the balcony overlooking Athena's Temple, descend into Sarpedon, and enter Perseus' planning room while he decides his next course of action. Be prepared for dancers to interact with you - a gentle hand on a shoulder to guide you to a better vantage point, a whispered question, an offered hand to lead you to something special and just for you. If you choose not to interact, you may cross your arms across your chest and they will beckon someone else.

At that point, anything is possible and what you are left with is a magical dance performance that will leave you stunned. Joey Arrigo (he/they) is simply remarkable as Athena as they dance with unrestrained passion and yet carefully controlled movements.

The Gorgon Sisters of Stheno (Martha Hart, she/her) and Euryale (Jazzmin James, she/her) are a feat to behold. As a duo they move fluidly as one, breathing and responding to each other to lift and assist as a singular unit. Where one dancer ends, the other begins, flowing into the other like an infinity. When a new performer, like Medusa, enters their realm, they are integrated seamlessly. 

Then there is Medusa. Carleen Zouboules (she/her), the title character commands the stage and captures attention. Her transformation into Medusa is a highlight of the show and from there, the rage that fuels her is palpable. 

The dance between Perseus (Jarrett Siddall, he/him) and the Oracle (Connor Mitton, he/him) is worth noting for how beautifully it shows off intimacy and power struggle between two men. There is a fine balance of strength and fragility shown in this duet layered with a quiet intimacy.

TranscenDance previously produced Ophis in April of 2025. This remount allows people to experience it again or for the first time. If this is your first or fifth time witnessing Ophis, you're in for a magical experience.

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