- The Mechanics of History sees gperformers climbing up steps before falling
- It was devised by French dancer Yoann Bourgeois and is on show in Le Pantheon
- It is reminiscent of the Greek legend of Sisyphus – who was punished for his deceitfulness by being forced to roll an enormous boulder up a hill
A French art installation which sees dancers repeatedly jumping from a rotating trampoline onto a seemingly never-ending staircase has left Parisians mesmerised.
The Mechanics of History, or La Mecanique de l’Histoire, sees grey-suited performers climbing up steps before falling onto a trampoline while rotating together.
It was devised by French dancer Yoann Bourgeois and is on show in Le Pantheon’s highest dome.
The Mechanics of History, or La Mecanique de l’Histoire, sees grey-suited performers climbing up steps before falling onto a trampoline while rotating together
As the dancers climb the steps, they either fall on to the trampoline or are directed towards another staircase leading downwards – meaning they can never reach the top.
It is reminiscent of the Greek legend of Sisyphus – who was punished for his deceitfulness by being forced to roll an enormous boulder up a hill.
The large rock would then fall back down and hit him forcing him to repeat the action for eternity.
It was devised by French dancer Yoann Bourgeois and is on show in Le Pantheon’s highest dome
A video of the striking exhibit has been uploaded to the internet where it has provoked a strong reaction from commenters who were keen to interpret the meaning of the piece.
Migz Portuguez theorised: ‘History repeats the same mistakes at different times of its course.’
But John Shaddai was somewhat more clueless, admitting: ‘I don’t understand this but why do I keep watching?’
As the dancers climb the steps, they either fall on to the trampoline or are directed towards another staircase leading downwards
It is reminiscent of the Greek legend of Sisyphus – who was punished for his deceitfulness by being forced to roll an enormous boulder up a hill
Johnny Mamalos had a far lengthier theory. He said: That’s the mechanics of human consciousness, not history.
‘History never repeats itself. Humans repeat the same mistakes throughout history which gives you the feeling that everything is a circle.
‘But it’s not everything a circle. Only the mental condition of humans is a circle and until we reach a new peak in human thinking, nothing will change.
‘We are in Braudels big circle of revolution now but nowhere near it’s end…’