09/09/2026
A Show Unlike Anything You've Seen Before! What happens when musicians invent their own instruments and transform an entire stage into a living, interactive work of art? If you get tickets for award-winning show Alt-Escape, coming to Surrey Arts Centre on September 26, you'll find out! Tickets at purchase.surrey.ca
Alt-Escape was created by Video Phase, a performance group based in Montreal. In this Q&A, show co-creator Julien-Robert explains how electronic music, lasers, sensors, and immersive visuals combine to create an experience unlike a traditional concert or theatre performance.
Q: For people who haven't heard of Alt-Escape, how would you describe the show?
A: It's a show audiences have never seen before, in the sense that it's a new way of creating and performing audiovisual music on stage. It's a music show first, but it's also a hybrid performance that brings together music, digital art, multimedia and interactive visuals. We designed our own instruments made of custom interfaces using electronics, sensors and lasers, and we use them to control an interactive visual system in real time that was built in a game engine. Basically, the stage itself becomes a multimedia instrument, so we perform with the stage.
Q: What inspired the creation of Alt-Escape?
A: We wanted to create something new. We wanted to make people dream and take them on a journey throughout the show. The performance is based on a narrative where we travel between different universes, almost like a multiverse. The two performers begin in separate worlds and don't know the other exists. As the show progresses, they begin to communicate and interact until they eventually play together and merge into a single universe. That's the underlying story of the show, although music and visuals are always at the forefront.
Q: From the first idea to the first performance, how long did it take to create Alt-Escape?
A: It took three years to develop and design the instruments, make sure they worked properly, create the content of the show and present an initial pre-premiere performance. A year later we staged the official premiere. Altogether, it took four years to create the show audiences see today.
Q: What was the biggest creative challenge in bringing Alt-Escape to life?
A: It was a long process. We built the electronics, designed the instruments, developed the programming, created the visuals, composed the music and designed the sound. That was the biggest challenge: maintaining the pace and completing the project over four years. Another challenge was collaborating with people located around the world. We had to navigate time zones, travel limitations and the difficulties of coordinating everyone during the pandemic.
Q: You've taken the show around the world. What kind of reaction has it received?
A: People really enjoy the show, and audiences of all ages connect with it. The show is playful and accessible. Even though it includes experimental music and digital art, it's designed for everyone, including families, adults and children. People are fascinated and really appreciate the opportunity to come on stage after the performance, see how the instruments work and try them for themselves.
Why Audiences are Amazed by Alt-Escape
Q: There will be a lot of young people in the audience. What would you tell them about being a creator?
A: You need to stay inspired because there will always be challenges. But creating something and sharing it with the world gives you an incredible sense of accomplishment. It's a lot of fun, and you're constantly learning. That's one of the most inspiring parts of being a creator. After spending years working on something, seeing it come to life on stage is extremely rewarding.
Q: If Alt-Escape had a playlist, what kind of music would be on it?
A: It would include electronic music, pop music, film music and electroacoustic musicSome of our major influences include Daft Punk, Hans Zimmer, Steve Reich, Philip Glass and Nine-Inch Nails. Those influences range from repetitive and minimalist music to more industrial sounds.
Q: What emotions do you hope audiences feel when they leave the theatre?
A: I hope they feel awe and fascination. I hope they leave dreaming a little bit and thinking, 'Wow, I've seen something that changes the way I look at live art.' I've heard people say there's a life before this show and a life after it. I'd like audiences to feel changed, even just a little, after the experience.
