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Review Mar 26 2009 « | »
Cinetaxis at Shunt Cinetaxis is a hybrid event which takes place at the Shunt Vaults over eight nights, encompassing digital media, theatre......

Emma Bennett

Cinetaxis is a hybrid event which takes place at the Shunt Vaults over eight nights, encompassing digital media, theatre and electronic music. The Vaults, which are situated a short walk from The London Dungeon, and the (perhaps euphemistically titled) London Bridge 'Experience', are quite a compelling visitor attraction in themselves. Preposterously vast, darkly subterranean, creepy - an apt venue for what is curiously billed as a 'unique and personal insight into the world of insects'.

Once inside, a slightly disorientated wander leads the viewer past a few flickering, attractions. A structure of fluorescent tubes is bolted in asymmetrical formation around several monitors showing insect footage. It buzzes, it sparks. It's like a Dan Flavin re-imagined by a creepy-crawly obsessed 8 year old, and it's really rather cool.

Further on, a series of identical railway arches are given over to large-scale projections of scaled-up insects, all antennae and spindly legs worrying at the surface of the camera lens. The accompanying surround-sound is a low level hum, mixed with scratchy electronic glitches, presumably designed to enhance the unnerving effect of the little critters looming large.

Indeed, sensory immersion is key to this project, as is the idea of creating a sort of all-encompassing visitor experience. It's an installation, a club night, and a performance festival rolled into one, with the Shunt bar acting as hang-out between events. Live music, DJ sets and performances are all in the mix - I happened upon a 30 minute show by a couple of taut-bellied aerialists, whose upside-down rope tricks I presumed to be inspired by insect life, until it was discovered that they were not part of this show.

Overall, the insect motif can seem a little gimmicky, functioning something like a carnival float theme (as in "the Brownies are doing insects this year"): prompting some imaginative and technically impressive responses, but lacking overall cohesion. Prospective viewers would do well to bring along a few friends and relax with a beer as they prepare to sample the curious procession of critter-based entertainments.

Cinetaxis is at the Shunt Vaults 25-28 March and 1-4 April, from 7pm onwards. Admission is £5 on Wednesday and Thursday, and £10 on Thursday and Friday. For more information, visit here.

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