Photo: Sheng Ho
Inner Sublimity
"Inner Sublimity” showcases the complexity of life, the light and shadows we all face. This duet utilizes cutting edge interactive technology and deep somatic movement explorations whilst combining east and west cultural knowledge, spiritual practices, and movement to intentionally expand the narrow view that Western society has imposed upon spirituality. By combining these very different ideas we question our differences and know this work can help us begin to open new dialogues, come together and heal.
Taiwan and Europe, though distinct in their cultural backgrounds and histories, both offer important grounds to develop this work. In Taiwan, a place steeped in rich traditions of spirituality and a deep reverence for cultural heritage, our art making approach can amplify the cultural practices that have been preserved for generations, providing a fresh lens through which to interpret and celebrate their significance. In Europe, a continent with a complex tapestry of spiritual traditions and an emergent interest in holistic well-being, this fusion offers a new perspective that can reinvigorate the exploration of spirituality in the contemporary context.
“Inner Sublimity” won the Chystal Dance Prize for 2023/24 which supported our research in Taiwan, as part of the Dance On Fluid Residency, working with Wu-kang Chen/Horse Dance Theater 驫.
PITCH
TRAILER
Photo: Sheng Ho
Project Created by: Caroline MacCaull and Sammy Chien
Key Artistic Collaborators:
A Chimerik 似不像 Project
Co-Creators/Performers/Media Artists: Sammy Chien & Caroline MacCaull
Sound Composer: Giorgio Magnanensi (featuring Chris Rolfe, 'Ambient Series #11')
Music contributors: Ai-De Yang 楊愛德, Laris Bäucker, Christian Del Conte
Lighting Designer: Jonathan Kim
Costume Design by Margherita Barbieri/ UNDOStudio
Dramaturgy Advisor: Claire French
Project Assistant and Creative Writer: Roshni Riar
Movement Research Advisor/International Partner: Wu-Kang Chen 陳武康 /Horse Dance Theater 驫舞劇場
Producing Support: Wen Huang 黃雯 & Yu Fang Teng 鄧宇芳
Performance type: This work is adaptable to theatre, outdoors, alternative spaces
How do you define this work: dance, ritual, performance art, interdisciplinary art, movement, performance art, experimental, new media, interactive projections, Dance-Technology, Spirituality
Length of performance: 55 minutes
Audience type: General Audience
General Technical Requirements:
2 Projectors - Minimum 5000 Lumen
Grey Marley flooring or other types of light colour flooring
White Cyc or Wall
Sound System
Alternative Spaces: We have done previous Work-In-Development showings in various conditions and sites, such as: galleries, warehouse, multimedia space and outdoor historic site. We are very open to discuss what could be possible for this work.
Required amount of time for tech set up: approx. 2-3 hours (depending on the venue’s setup and how many tech)
Number of Performers on tour (including choreographer): 2
Number of Support Staff on Tour: 1
Availabilities: 2025 Spring (March-June), 2025/26 Season, and 2026/27 Season
Chimerik 似不像
Sammy Chien and Caroline MacCaull are the Co-Artistic Directors of Chimerik 似不像, a multi-award-winning interdisciplinary nonprofit organization consisting of artists from underrepresented groups (people of colour, LGBTQ2S+, Immigrants, Women in arts and technology, Linguistic/Language minorities, neurodiverse people, Youth and next generation) from various age groups, backgrounds, levels of experience, and disciplines (film/video, new media, VJ, VR, projection & lighting design, experimental music, sound art, visual arts and contemporary dance/theatre performance). Chimerik 似不像 has collaborated on over 500 multi-disciplinary projects which have been exhibited internationally. Some selected credits are: World Design Expo, Digital Arts Festival of Taipei, Lacking Sound Festival, New Form Festival, ISEA (International Symposium of Electronic Arts), Digital Carnival Festival, Taiwan Best Design 100, Tokyo Performing Arts Meeting (TPAM), PUSH international Performing Arts Festival, Vancouver New Music Festival. Dance/Theatre companies the company has worked with include: The Arts Club, Stratford Festival, Gateway Theatre, The Frank Theatre, Aeriosa, Beijing Modern Dance Company, Wen Wei Dance, Dancers of Damelahamid, Raven Spirit Dance, among others. Chimerik 似不像 has also worked with influential corporations such as NIKE, Microsoft, BenQ and Google in live visuals/projection design and interactive video installations, in addition to actively empowering underrepresented communities. Roshni Riar is the company’s new Creative Producer, who’s a Punjabi-Canadian poet, interdisciplinary artist and community organizer.
Performance History & Upcoming Performances
Work-in-development showings:
-Dance on Fluid 浮州舞場 Taipei, Taiwan - December 2023
- LAIKS DEJOT “the largest contemporary dance event in Latvia – the international contemporary dance festival” Riga, Latvia - June 2024
- Ballo Pubblico Festival in Poggibonsi/Sienna, Italy - June 2024
- the Venice Art Night (Collateral Events of the Venice Biennale Arte 2024) - June 2024
Project Details
Community Engagement
Past workshop included with WIP performances:
Join us for an immersive Movement Workshop led by internationally recognized artists Sammy Chien and Caroline MacCaull from Chimerik. This experience combines somatic practices and Qi Gong, inviting participants to deepen their connection to the world around them.
Through guided movement exercises rooted in somatic awareness, participants will explore the concept of attunement, discovering how to tune into the subtle energies of their environment. We will explore the notion that energetic pathways already exist within the spaces we inhabit, waiting to be recognized and followed.
In this experiential workshop, we will delve into the fascinating intersection of past and present. Learn how to simultaneously exist in both realms, accessing memories and emotions that enrich our understanding of the present moment. Discover how this dual focus can serve as a compass, guiding us towards new possibilities and insights.
Come prepared to move, reflect, and expand your awareness. No prior movement experience is necessary—just an open mind and a willingness to explore the possibilities of perception.
Please note we are also very open to utilizing and exploring the interactive technology from this piece in this workshop.
Outreach Activities
community-level workshops, lecture-demonstration and master-class. We are open to any age group.