The Cortège: A Dazzling Display or Just Social Media Bait?

An innovative event called The Cortège is captivating audiences at the Los Angeles Equestrian Center, blending dance, music, puppetry, and visual art into a three-hour spectacle. Promoted as a revival of pageantry and a “festive funeral for our times,” the performance elicits a wide range of reactions, from awe to confusion. As attendees immerse themselves in this sensory experience, many find themselves grappling with its deeper meanings, or lack thereof.

Gathering at twilight, audiences settle on the grass or elevated seating as a live six-piece band begins with an overture of haunting music. A solitary dancer emerges, transitioning from crawling to standing, then dancing—serving as an anchor amid the evolving scenes. This surreal journey explores themes of life and death, characterized by dreamlike sequences featuring costumed characters, drones illuminating the night sky, and robotic dogs representing the darker aspects of human innovation.

The Cortège incorporates various cultural references, including elements reminiscent of New Orleans funerals, medieval morality plays, and contemporary street dance. Yet the production’s eclectic nature raises questions about its coherence. Audience members don headphones equipped with green lights, creating an atmosphere akin to a silent disco, which contrasts sharply with the communal themes of the performance.

Despite its ambitious vision and significant budget, some aspects of The Cortège feel disjointed. The production shifts abruptly between contrasting moments, with scenes colliding rather than unfolding organically. While the use of global references adds visual interest, the lack of a clear narrative or cultural grounding leaves some audience members bewildered.

Directorial choices, such as delegating the ritual cleansing of the space to a crew member instead of a performer, also contribute to a sense of inconsistency. Additionally, the program’s only spoken segment, which names deceased celebrities, feels oddly misplaced given the production’s thematic focus.

As social media continues to shape the entertainment landscape, The Cortège reflects this trend, prompting audiences to document their experiences rather than immerse themselves fully in the moment. Events like this have proliferated in recent years, with immersive experiences such as Van Gogh exhibitions and Secret Cinema drawing crowds eager to share their adventures online.

Despite the spectacle’s visual allure, many attendees find themselves longing for a more profound connection—one that transcends the urge to document every moment. Critics have likened The Cortège to a beautiful, yet diluted, version of the cohesive narratives presented by Cirque du Soleil and similar productions. While some praise the event, as noted by the Los Angeles Times, others feel it misses the mark in delivering a truly transformative experience.

Ultimately, The Cortège captivates with its stunning visuals and imaginative concepts but struggles to provide the emotional depth that resonates deeply with audiences. The production’s potential to evoke genuine reflection on themes of grief and celebration remains tantalizingly out of reach, leaving many craving a more immersive narrative that allows them to forget their phones and truly engage with the performance.