The Cortège: A Spectacle of Artistry or Just Social Media Bait?

An innovative event called The Cortège is currently capturing attention at the Los Angeles Equestrian Center. This expansive outdoor experience combines elements of dance, sound, light, puppetry, and costume to create what its creator, Jeff Hull, describes as a revival of the art of pageantry. Hull, known for his streetwear line Oaklandish, refers to the event as a “festive funeral for our times.” The performance, lasting three hours, elicits a wide range of reactions, from awe to confusion, as it attempts to navigate the complexities of life and death.

As evening falls, audience members gather on the grass or in raised chairs, ready for an experience that promises to be both mesmerizing and disorienting. A live six-piece band sets the mood with mournful melodies, while a lone performer serves as a silent anchor, transitioning from crawling to dancing at the center of the field. The production unfolds in a surreal, non-linear fashion, exploring themes of mortality through a series of dreamlike sequences, extravagant costumes, and striking imagery.

The Cortège employs cutting-edge technology, including drones that illuminate the Burbank sky, and features robotic dogs that symbolize the darker aspects of human invention. The performance draws on a diverse array of cultural references, from medieval morality plays to New Orleans funerals and contemporary social issues, such as immigration and violence. Audience members wear headphones with green lights, transforming the event into a unique blend of a silent disco and a theatrical spectacle.

Despite its ambitious vision and considerable budget, The Cortège often feels more like a collection of striking visuals than a cohesive narrative. The scenes tend to collide rather than flow, shifting abruptly from moments of whimsy to flashes of authoritarian imagery, supported by thumping electronic music. This eclectic mix incorporates global influences, including Caribbean steel drums and LA street dance, but lacks a firm grounding in any specific tradition.

Some aspects of the production feel puzzling. For instance, the ritual cleansing of the performance space is performed by what appears to be a crew member, despite the presence of costumed performers who could have taken on that role. Additionally, the evening’s only spoken segment lists deceased celebrities, including Loni Anderson and Val Kilmer, which raises questions about its relevance to the overall theme.

While the intent behind the headphones was to create a unified audience experience, they may have inadvertently isolated viewers, separating them into individual soundscapes. This choice seems ironic for an event focused on communal themes of grief and connection. As a result, the performance becomes a series of visually stunning moments that lack depth and coherence.

In a landscape increasingly shaped by social media, The Cortège reflects contemporary entertainment trends that prioritize visual impact over narrative substance. Events like immersive Van Gogh exhibitions and Secret Cinema attract audiences who claim to seek an escape from their devices, yet these experiences often encourage immediate documentation and sharing. Attendees engage with the show through their cameras, participating in an algorithm-driven cycle of content creation.

While gathering with fellow spectators in the San Fernando Valley offers a sense of community, many may find themselves yearning for an experience that truly captivates their attention and evokes deep emotions. The Cortège presents a visually captivating spectacle, but it often falls short of delivering the profound narrative engagement found in productions by Cirque du Soleil or events at Burning Man.

Critics have offered mixed reviews. The Los Angeles Times praised the event, yet many attendees may leave wishing for a more immersive experience that allows them to forget their phones and simply be present. Ultimately, while The Cortège gestures towards a transcendent experience, it frequently hovers at the surface, leaving audiences with fleeting moments of wonder rather than lasting emotional resonance.