After performances in Los Angeles, Hong Kong and Shanghai, “On the Wings of Hermès” takes flight in Singapore at the Marina Bay Sands Expo & Convention Centre.
Peer into the vast universe of Hermès’ and one would find the usual suspects that have laid the foundations of a sprawling empire. Beyond the coveted bags, immaculate quality and craftsmanship and every other aspect of the maison that makes them so desirable, one should consider the intangibles that act as the glue holding Hermès together. A fantastical sense of creativity and, at times, a child-like fascination and imagination have been one of the maison’s cornerstones. Seasonal illustrations of scarves by various artists offer a peek into this, but of course, it stretches far beyond silkscreen prints.
Perhaps the very embodiment of Hermès’ creativity is best expressed in the theatrical “On the Wings of Hermès” experience. After performances in Los Angeles, Hong Kong and Shanghai, the show takes flight in Singapore at the Marina Bay Sands Expo & Convention Centre. Set within the darkness of the convention centre, seven live-action vignettes that follow the tale of the mythical winged horse, Pegasus, and his seven foals await to charm and awe audiences young and old.
Conceived by the Belgian duo director Jaco Van Dormael and choreographer Michèle Anne De Mey and brought to life with the support of the Astragales dance company, “On the Wings of Hermès” is a testament to the skill and dedication of its creators. The audience is guided through seven different miniaturized sets, each with its unique narration and universe. The magic of perspective and choreography brings these scenes to life on a large screen, allowing viewers to simultaneously witness the on-screen and the ‘behind the scenes’ action unfold.
Under the watchful guidance of Anne De Mey, concepts of artistry and meticulousness to details are brought to life through precise choreography and cinematography with the help of the Astragales dancers. Here, the grace and poise of the dancers come to the fore. Picture a pair of dancers lying on the floor and performing a series of groundwork actions to convey them floating through the air or a young foal, depicted by finger puppetry, finding its feet amidst the cacophony of a circus. Despite the technically demanding sequences, Van Dormael and Anne De Mey’s teams managed to conjure a highly immersive, light-hearted and emotive experience. The Opera of Four Bags brought to life by four Hermès Kelly bags is easily a crowd favourite given the quartet’s tongue-in-cheek performance, while the final scene involving sand art choreographed and narrated in reverse before being played back showcases the profound depth of Hermès’ creativity. “On the Wings of Hermès” ends with a 35-minute clip that plays back the seven different scenes from a different perspective.
Don’t miss the chance to experience “On the Wings of Hermès” in Singapore at the Marina Bay Sands Expo & Convention Centre until 28 July 2024. While registration is full, keep an eye out for any available tickets at the door in case of dropouts. This is an opportunity you wouldn’t want to miss.
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