PCK Dance's "Into the Light": A Dual Exploration of Humanity and AI

PCK Dance's double bill, "Into the Light," premiered on April 10, 2026, at The Place in London. The performance consists of two distinct pieces: "Vessel" and "In the Absence," choreographed by James Pett and Travis Clausen-Knight, both former members of Company Wayne McGregor. The production opens in darkness with "Vessel," transitioning into the more luminous "In the Absence," which explores themes of love and loss against a backdrop of an AI-driven future.

Into The Light by PCK Dance

"Vessel" sets a somber tone, utilizing a black box stage enveloped in mist and alternating strips of light, creating a visual metaphor for digital numbers. The choreography, featuring Pett, Clausen-Knight, and Isabelle Evans, is noted for its complexity and fluidity, although some critiques suggest that the execution may be overly polished, potentially detracting from the emotional depth. The accompanying score by Sean Pett, while modern and slick, has been described as lacking the complexity needed to fully engage the audience.

Into The Light by PCK Dance

In contrast, "In the Absence" begins with a stage adorned in tinsel, symbolizing a shift towards brightness and hope. The choreography in this piece emphasizes connection and intimacy, with Pett and Clausen-Knight's movements reflecting a deep emotional resonance. The live piano score performed by Sean Pett adds a layer of intimacy, enhancing the themes of love and loss that permeate the work.

Into The Light by PCK Dance

Critics have highlighted the technical prowess of the dancers, praising their ability to convey nuanced emotions through movement. However, there is a consensus that the overarching themes of survival in an AI-driven future could have been more effectively articulated. The program suggests that revealing what makes us human is crucial in this context, yet some reviewers feel that the performance falls short of this goal.

The Guardian

The choreographers, James Pett and Travis Clausen-Knight, have expressed their intent to explore the complexities of human connection in a technologically advanced world. They aim to provoke thought about the implications of AI on human relationships, although the execution has received mixed reviews regarding its effectiveness.

The Guardian

Some critics argue that while the choreography is technically impressive, it lacks a deeper emotional connection that could resonate with audiences. The reliance on slick production elements, such as lighting and sound design, has been viewed as a distraction from the dancers' performances. Additionally, the thematic exploration of AI's impact on humanity has been questioned, with some suggesting that it requires a more profound exploration to truly engage the audience.

Into The Light by PCK Dance

• “James Pett and Travis Clausen-Knight are joined by Isabelle Evans in choreography is consistently interesting and in a comparatively brief amount of time covers a lot of bases.” — Reviewer, Seeing Dance

Into The Light by PCK Dance

• “After a somewhat dystopian opening, albeit where humanity appears to triumph as the trio of dancers are united, In the Absence leaves the audience feeling oddly uplifted, sprinkling a little of its shine on us in these dark and dismal times.” — Reviewer, Seeing Dance

Into The Light by PCK Dance

• “It’s made with fluency and attention to form.” — The Guardian

The Guardian

PCK Dance's "Into the Light" ultimately presents a dual narrative that juxtaposes the darkness of an AI-influenced future with the potential for human connection, leaving audiences to ponder the implications of both.

Into The Light by PCK Dance