“I am a preoccupation with a particular sequence of numbers.”

Newly graduated from Victorian College of the Arts, The Human Project presents The Human Project v1.1, an existential, immersive, and captivating physical theatre performance. The Human Project v1.1 explores mind, body, and emotion as if through the eyes of an outsider to human existence. It questions the concept of perfection, using the golden ratio – a particular sequence of numbers – to structure scenes. A mathematical theory, the golden ratio is often repeated in nature – in plants, crystals, and even in animal skeletons. Using this idea of a perfect phenomenon, The Human Project v1.1 questions whether any human experience could objectively be labelled as ‘perfect’.

Visually, the performance is engaging however in terms of stage, it is very minimal. With very simple black and white costumes, the four-person cast runs and tumbles across the stage, occasionally pausing to reflect on life. While the stage and costumes are basic, it’s impossible to look away from the ever-changing movement.

Structurally, The Human Project v1.1 seems almost like a train of thought – reflective, jumbled, with odd connections and an abstract sense of order. It flows naturally, like the cognitive processes of the mind. This mirrors the way the show was created – through the collation of  the varying perceptions of perfection and humanity, held by the actors.

Amongst the rushing, tumbling, and falling, are scenes exploring the nature of love and affection. Perhaps my favourite example of this is a set of lines repeated three times, each with different actions and inflections. Depending on the circumstances, they could reflect harmful obsession, a playful couple, or an abusive relationship. I found this contrast striking; that the same words could mean such different things and that without the use of props or backstory, each of the situations could be easily conveyed to the audience through only body language.

Almost confronting in places, while light and humorous in others, The Human Project v1.1 is a fascinating concept brought to life in a seemingly organic and effortless way. It leaves the audience with questions about perfection and existence, sparking interesting conversations after the show. I would recommend The Human Project v1.1 to anyone looking for something beyond what they might normally see, or anyone wanting to see something that will engage them and make them think.