Experience the Thrill of DIAVOLO’s Latest Show, ‘ESCAPE,’ Up Close and Personal
New Performance by DIAVOLO Invites Audience into the World of Dance
For its latest production, “ESCAPE,” DIAVOLO has transformed L’ESPACE DIAVOLO, its performance venue near Downtown Los Angeles, into an intimate black box theater with only three rows of seating. This unique setup allows 90 guests to sit just five feet from the stage, where 22 artists showcase their incredible athleticism, vulnerability, and emotional depth.
DIAVOLO | Architecture in Motion is renowned for its high-energy performances that defy gravity. The company has performed in over 250 cities across 14 countries, captivating an audience of more than 100 million. In addition to its notable appearances on NBC’s “America’s Got Talent” and during the opening of the 66th Annual Grammy Awards with Dua Lipa, this latest production brings a fresh perspective to the company’s artistry.
“I wanted to do something in a small environment, like our studio, to give the audience a personal connection to the action and the dancers,” explained Jacques Heim, founder and creative director of DIAVOLO. “You see everything, and that is so powerful and impactful.”
The 70-minute performance features custom-built architectural structures, with each scene exploring themes of breaking free, escaping, and surpassing personal limits, both emotionally and physically. Heim emphasizes the importance of resilience, community, and togetherness in today’s world. “It’s in your face, and you cannot not be affected by the incredible humans moving. It is different when we perform on a proscenium stage far from the audience. This is unique because you are part of the action,” he stated.
Trust stands out as another significant theme throughout the performance. Brian Fretté, a reviewer for LA Dance Chronicle, noted the dancers’ mutual trust and continuous communication during the show. Heim acknowledged the critical role of trust in his company’s dynamic. “To trust is one of the most important things in your life,” he said. “Not only trusting others, but trusting yourself.”
“ESCAPE” has proven to be both thrilling and inspiring. Heim believes watching the dancers perform can evoke similar feelings to a motivational speech. “They have courage, heart, and soul,” he remarked. “The performers at DIAVOLO are willing to push themselves, resilient and fearless.”
Heim, who describes himself as both a director and a drill sergeant, recognizes the unique qualities required to join his company. “Yes, they are talented movers,” he noted, adding, “Most of those humans are thinking, can I do this? I push them beyond their own limits.”
The emotional and physical challenges faced by the performers parallel the experiences of veterans, which is reflected in the proceeds from “ESCAPE” ticket sales and merchandise. Heim has developed workshops over the past seven years to support the veteran community, seeking to restore their emotional, mental, and physical strength.
“For 63 days, close to 12 weeks, I had to prepare the performers. I had to deconstruct them, reconstruct them. It’s done with care and love because I want them to rise,” Heim explained. “When I see them growing into resilient and powerful warriors, that is priceless.”
“ESCAPE” will run from October 4 through November, with performances scheduled from Friday to Sunday at L’ESPACE DIAVOLO, located at 616 Moulton Avenue, Los Angeles. Tickets start at $49.
