Inspired by the timeless tradition of shadow theatre, the multimedia show This Is a Sphere took the shape of a huge cube erected on the Place des Arts esplanade for the Montreal En Lumière Festival. When opened, light spilled forth from the cube, creating a living work of art evoking all at once Pandora’s box, a surprise package and a magic lantern (slide projector).

Portrayed in successive scenes by four actors, an array of characters conveyed the city’s sounds and rhythms. These bearers of light told their stories using light beams like words. The backdrop of this virtual portrayal of daily life were projected images – a shadow world that revealed the hidden motivations and meanings behind people and things in a magical, poetic way.