In 2003, prominent arts writer Allen Robertson wrote in The Times: "If there was a Turner Prize for dance, Darren Johnston would undoubtedly be on the shortlist."
Robertson was referring to the creator of "Silicon Sensorium," which played to packed audiences at the Purcell Room of London's Southbank Centre. A futuristic multimedia piece, it featured "cyborg" dancers, a clinical LED-lit set and an original electronic score created by Squarepusher. It also thoroughly confused the contemporary dance world.
“The industry response was a little tetchy," says Johnston as he reminisces at a recent interview. “That was quite a contrast to how it was received by the audience — the show sold out for its two-night run.”